Polly Stockton withdraws from European Eventing Championships

British individual rider Polly Stockton has withdrawn her ride, Mrs Anne Henson’s Regulus, ahead of the dressage phase at the European Eventing Championships in Luhmuhlen, Germany. He didn’t feel completely sound when she rode him earlier this morning.

Eventing Performance Manager Yogi Breisner commented: “Regulus came out for exercise this morning and Polly reported he didn’t feel quite right. It was decided it was in the horse’s best interests not to run him. It’s nothing serious and his long term health will be unaffected but it’s obviously very disappointing for all concerned.”

This championships was to mark a return to the senior British squad after an absence of six years for Polly. She had already been forced to swap to Regulus from her first choice ride Westwood Poser when he too picked up a small injury before leaving the UK.

Polly will remain in Germany until the end of the Championships to support her team mates who are chasing their ninth successive European title as well as individual honours.

Three remaining Brits to ride their dressage tests

Contesting their dressage today will be Britain’s second individual rider Laura Collett on Rayef, and team riders Mary King on Imperial Cavalier and William Fox-Pitt on Cool Mountain. Britain currently lies second overnight at the dressage half-way stage, some 14pen behind Germany.

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