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Whitaker: Peppermill may recovery in time
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Veteran British rider John Whitaker said his horse was showing signs of recovery so may take part in the last stage of the Olympics equestrian show jumping team final on Monday.
Will Connel, the British team leader, said that Whitaker made his withdrawal from the first phase of the British show jumping final on Sunday as Peppermill was "quite stiff".
"It just wasn't right to ask it to jump (on Sunday). He's better this morning and we will see how he is in the evening," Connell said.
The 53-year-olds withdrawal came only days after his younger brother Michael, 43, was forced to pull out after finding his horse lame. Riding in Michael Whitaker's place is Nick Skelton.
The brothers, won silver in the 1984 LA Games, were seen as the anchors of the British team, who include 25-year-old Ben Maher and 44-year-old Tim Stockdale, both first-time Olympians.
There was no immediate reason given for Whitaker's withdrawal during the first phase of the Olympian equestrian show jumping team on Sunday.
With 12 penalties in the first stage of the show jumping final Switzerland and the USA tied for the top spot. Britain and Canada tied for fourth place with 16 penalties.
Those to go through to Monday's final will be determined in the qualifier as will the 50 riders who will go through to the final individual event on Thursday.
