I can’t believe it. Adelinde got as far as the rein back when Stephen Clarke noticed blood on Parzival’s lip. It’s so devastating, first for Adelinde and her supporters, of course. But for her team, the spectators, and me, this is frankly heart breaking. I have to not think about how Adelinde must feel right now otherwise I’ll cry.
In case you’ve lost the plot, Parzival must have bitten his tongue or lip when he came in the stadium. The FEI rule is unambiguous – blood anywhere on the horse, even from a fly bite, results in immediate elimination.
I’ll be back later with my reflections on the rest of the competition, but suffice it to say that the sunny mood I was determined to have today has been clouded over. Very very sad.