Another British rider forced to miss WEG

Pippa Funnell has been forced to relinquish her place on the British eventing squad for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) as her ride, Billy Beware, is lame.

The duo are the second combination to be withdrawn post selection, after the news three weeks ago that Izzy Taylor and Allercombe Ellie were also out.

Jonathan and Jane Clarke’s 10-year-old Billy Beware, who was so impressive at Badminton earlier this year (pictured top) when finishing sixth, was found to be slightly lame after his last run at Aston-le-Walls (3) (18 July).

The lameness is still being investigated, but so far the scans are clear.

Team manager Yogi Breisner said: “It is always unfortunate when a squad member has to pull out, but Billy Beware is a very promising horse and I am looking forward to seeing him back competing in the future.”

This news is a bitter blow for Pippa, who has suffered the misfortune of having to withdraw from two major championships in the last three years — she was selected for London 2012 on Redesigned and Billy Shannon, but neither was subsequently fit to compete.

WEG begins in less than four weeks time (23 August – 7 September). The replacements for Billy Beware and Allercombe Ellie are due to be announced shortly.

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