Zara out of Olympic Games
RBS ambassador Zara Phillips has withdrawn from the Beijing Olympics because of an injury to her horse Toytown.
RBS ambassador Zara Phillips has withdrawn from the Beijing Olympics because of an injury to her horse Toytown.
The horse was injured during training but Zara was philosophical about not being able to go to the Games in China.
"I am very disappointed not to have the opportunity to ride at the Olympic Games and feel that Toytown deserved his chance to go," said Zara.
"However, with horses these things happen and we still have a very strong team, I wish them every success."
It is a double disappointment for Zara, who also missed out on the Olympic Games in Athens four years ago following another injury to Toytown.
She went on to win individual and team eventing gold at the European Eventing Championships the following year and was a winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2006 after winning gold at the World Equestrian Games.
A reserve rider and horse combination will now be selected by the British Olympic Association after nomination from the British Equestrian Federation.
Simon Clegg, Team GB 2008 chef de mission, added: "This must be a huge disappointment to Zara, particularly following the pair's success over the last few years.
"Naturally, we now need to focus our full support on the rest of the team, including Zara's replacement, and give them every opportunity of competing to their full in Hong Kong."
Will Connell, team leader for the equestrian team, 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 is now focused on trying to win medals."