The British show jumping team, already reeling from the sale of Keith Shore’s ride, It’s Magic Max, received another blow last week when Tim Stockdale’s Fresh Direct Parcival was ruled out for the rest of the season with an injury.
The 11-year-old grey gelding was scanned by Newmarket vets last Monday and was found to have damaged the cartilage in his stifle.
It is thought that the injury occurred while he was on international duty in St Gallen. Tim, who initially hoped that the horse might need only six weeks’ rest, said: “I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed that he makes a full recovery.
“I was hoping to take him to the European Championships, Calgary and the Super League final at Barcelona, but now all my plans are in disarray.
“With his form, Parcival looked a near certainty for the European Championships [at Donaueschingen in August], where Britain is hoping to qualify for the Athens Olympics. This is devastating news for Tim and for the team,” says Horse & Hound columnist Graham Fletcher.
Meanwhile, Di Lampard has had to pull Abbervail Dream out of Britain’s squad for Aachen, as the Irish-bred veteran has a slight problem.
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