British hopeful Hello Sanctos to miss Rio Olympics

Hello Sanctos and Scott Brash will not be part of the British team at this summer’s Rio Olympics.

It has been confirmed by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) that two of Scott’s top horses, Hello Sanctos and Hello M’Lady, will not be put up for selection due to injuries sustained earlier in the year. Scott and Sanctos made the long-list of 12 hopefuls, while M’Lady was listed as a potential reserve.

“We greatly regret that showjumper Scott Brash is unable to be selected to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Scott’s top two Olympic hopefuls Hello Sanctos, owned by Lady Kirkham and Lord and Lady Harris, and Hello M’Lady, owned by Lady Kirkham and Lady Harris, picked up minor injuries at the start of the season. They are still not back in full competition work and therefore will be unable to reach full fitness in time for Rio,” said the statement from the BEF.

“We are extremely disappointed that we are unable to help team GB in their quest to win another team gold medal at this year’s Olympics. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all of team GB every success in Rio,” added the connections of both horses.

Scott is still on the long-list with Hello Forever, also owned by the Kirkham and Harris partnership. The final four team riders plus a travelling reserve are due to be announced on 5 July.

The Scottish rider recently told H&H of his concerns over Sanctos returning in time following an eight-week break — having pulled a ligament.

“He’s feeling really good and the vet’s have given him the all-clear. He’s still a bit away from being fit enough to go to a decent level show so I’m just struggling a little with time and getting a good show in before selection,” he said at the time.

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