Ros Canter and her 2018 World Equestrian Games individual gold medalist Allstar B are a last-minute addition to the British eventing squad for the Olympic Games following the decision of Piggy March’s owners to withdraw their horse.
March was originally named as the travelling alternate ‒ who can be substituted during the competition under the new formula ‒ to support the core trio of Oliver Townend, Tom McEwen and Laura Collett.
But today (July 19) Team GB announced that the owners of Brookfield Innocent, Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry, have pulled the horse out “with the understanding and support of their rider, Piggy March.” A statement gave no specific detail about the reason for making this decision on the eve of travel. There is no suggestion that the horse is unwell.
Swinburn said, “The chance to represent your country on the Olympic stage is the pinnacle of every owner’s ambition but taking everything into account, we have decided to put those dreams on hold for now. We wish the best of luck to the team in Tokyo, and they’ll have no bigger supporters as we all cheer them on.”
Canter ended 2018 by filling the top two places on the British Eventing points table, but spent the first half of 2019 on the sidelines, having her first child, Ziggy. A month after giving birth, Ros was back in action, Allstar B winning the CCI4*-L at Ballindenisk. There was a further hiatus during the pandemic last year. When sport resumed in the UK in July 2020, Canter won two of Burgham’s international classes. Last month Allstar B finished third in the Branham 4* replacement event at Bicton, with a dressage score of just 23 penalties.
More from News:
