Zara Phillips to miss the Olympics due to injury to Toytown

Zara Phillips will miss this summer’s Olympics in Hong Kong, after the devastating news today that Toytown (pictured) has been injured in training.

Zara was a key member of the British eventing team, so this news will come as a massive blow not just to her, but to all the team and connections.

The reigning world champion said: “I am very disappointed not to have the opportunity to ride at the Olympic Games and feel that Toytown deserved his chance to go. However, with horses these things happen and we still have a very strong team, I wish them every success.”

Will Connell, British Equestrian Federation performance manager, said: “The British team are saddened by the news, especially for Zara and her team. We have a strong team of reserves and the team are now focused on trying to win medals.”

The new member of the team will be named as soon as possible. The first reserves are:

• Kristina Cook (Miners Frolic)
• Daisy Dick (Hope Street or Spring Along)
• Ruth Edge (Two Thyme)
• Oliver Townend (Flint Curtis)

Zara Phillips video clips

Zara Phillips photo gallery

Pippa Roome

H&H magazine editor and eventing editor

Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.