- Charlotte Dujardin’s horse-whipping controversy looms over British equestrian
- Team GB aims to secure the team equestrian title for the first time since Munich 1972
- Heading into the show jumping finale, Team GB holds a narrow lead over their French counterparts
After a troubling week, there is a glimmer of hope for a triumphant day.
British equestrian has faced scrutiny following the emergence of the Charlotte Dujardin horse-whipping scandal last Tuesday. However, Team GB could see a reprieve today if they successfully defend their Olympic team eventing title for the first time since 1972.
Following yesterday’s cross-country event at the Chateau de Versailles, Laura Collett, Tom McEwen, and Ros Canter head into today’s show jumping finale with a score of 82.50, just ahead of the French team at 87.20.
That lead could have been more significant but for a contentious 15-point penalty assessed to Canter, which Team GB is contesting.
The former world champion was deemed to have not jumped between the flags that demarcate the edge of one of the fences.
Controversy surrounds Team GB’s champion Charlotte Dujardin, who is not competing in Paris following a video showing her whipping a horse 24 times during training.
Dujardin has been indefinitely banned while a comprehensive investigation is underway regarding the incident.
Laura Collett is spearheading Team GB’s equestrian efforts, holding the second position in the individual rankings.
Ros Canter received a disputed 15-point penalty which Team GB is currently appealing.
Despite Canter’s penalty, Tom McEwen and Team GB appear well positioned to clinch gold against their French rivals in the gardens of the Château de Versailles.
Canter’s otherwise flawless performance was marred by the penalty that not only affected Britain’s chances of a team gold but also dropped her from fifth to 24th place in the individual standings. Officials were still assessing video footage last night.
‘I did brush a flag while exiting the triple bushes at the end, but I never anticipated that I failed to jump the jump,’ Canter stated. ‘I thought I had completed my course clear and within the time limit.’
Team GB remains optimistic for a gold, with Collett also sitting second in the individual rankings after incurring just a 0.8 time penalty in the cross-country. McEwen is in sixth after a clear performance.
‘I typically don’t display much emotion, but today brought out feelings I didn’t know I had, which shows how well it went,’ he remarked. ‘The crowd was phenomenal around the entire course. Every section was packed with spectators. The task isn’t complete yet, but we are undeniably a strong team.’
Britain’s prospects in the team competition received a boost when Germany’s Christoph Wahler faced elimination following a fall, and Australia was also withdrawn from contention after Kevin McNab withdrew his horse, Don Quidam.
