Axel Z, ridden by Belgium’s Chloe Raty, has been put down following a fall on the CCI4* cross-country at Luhmühlen.
The official statement from the organisers of the German event reads: “It is with great sadness and regret that we announce that Chloe Raty (BEL) and Axel Z, an 11-year-old gelding, had a fall at fence 18b, an upright, while competing in the CCI**** at Luhmühlen on 16 June 2018.
“The horse received immediate veterinary attention and was transported to the veterinary clinic. Unfortunately, spinal injuries were diagnosed and Axel Z sadly could not be saved.
“The rider was taken to hospital for thorough examination, which revealed no injuries.”
Chloe, 24, and 11-year-old Axel were competing at their first CCI4* and, having scored 33.9 in the dressage, went into cross-country in 31st place. They were clear until 18b, the final element of the Messmer Pond – the second of three water complexes at Luhmühlen.
They appeared to take off early at 18a, a step up out of water, which affected their take-off point for 18b, an angled rail. Axel Z left a foreleg at the rail and fell heavily on landing. The lower part of the rider’s body was briefly underneath the horse, but she was quickly extracted. Axel Z was sedated and taken to a nearby veterinary clinic.
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Other news from Luhmühlen:
Pippa Funnell best of the Brits in Luhmühlen dressage: ‘This was a proper clear round’
Dutch rider Tim Lips leads the CCI4* at Luhmühlen after dressage, with four British riders in the top 10
Axel Z is the only horse with whom Chloe is registered to compete internationally. The pair jumped a double clear at the European Young Rider Championships in Portugal in 2014, and finished third in the CCI3* at Haras du Pin in 2015.
Their most recent international run before Luhmühlen was at the German event Marbach in May, where they were 14th in the CIC3*.
Full report from Luhmühlen in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 21 June.
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