Tina Fletcher and Hello Sailor withdrawn from WEG

Team GB showjumper Tina Fletcher has told H&H she is “completely gutted” after having to withdraw Hello Sailor from the World Equestrian Games (WEG).

The horse, owned by Lady Harris, sustained a minor injury in training.

Robert Smith and Talan, a horse Robert jointly owns with Diana and Pennie Cornish, will replace Tina in the team.

“It’s extremely disappointing,” Tina told H&H.

“He’s very, very slightly injured — he trotted up sound today but the vet said it’s not worth risking him. If WEG was in a couple of weeks time it would have been fine — but it’s too soon.

“He’s given his tendon a bump somehow. He was going brilliantly, he’s the best horse I’ve ever had so I’m completed gutted.

“But Talan is going extremely well and I think he really has a good chance, at least we have a good reserve combination. I wish the team the best of luck.”

Showjumping performance manager Rob Hoekstra added: “Although this is a minor injury we feel it is in the best interests of the horse not to travel to the World Equestrian Games.

“We are very disappointed for Tina and Lady Harris, however, we are extremely fortunate that we have a world class rider in Robert Smith to bring into the team and Talan has shown excellent form on a recent trip to Calagry.”

Robert joins Scott Brash riding Stanley Brash’s Intertoy Z, David McPherson riding his own Chamberlain Z and Michael Whitaker riding Beatrice Mertens GIG Amai II to complete the showjumping team.

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