Pippa Funnell withdraws fom Badminton after cross-country fall
Tuesday 3 May 2016 18:19, UK
Pippa Funnell has withdrawn from this week's Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials after suffering a cross-country fall two days ago.
The three time champion, who is one of Britain's Rio Olympics hopefuls, was taken to Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital following the fall from Sandman 7 at the Withington Horse Trials at the weekend.
Funnell has been given the "all clear" following tests in hospital but the 47-year-old has pulled out of British eventing's premier event, which begins on Thursday.
"It's devastating not only for myself, but also for the owners, Jonathan and Jane Clarke and Marek Sebestak, my groom Frankie and the hard working team at home not to be able to compete at Badminton this year," Funnell said.
"I feel both my horses are in great form and the Mitsubishi Badminton Horse Trials is one of the greatest events in the world. I very much hope to be back competing again shortly."
Badminton Horse Trials director Hugh Thomas said; "We are very disappointed for Pippa, her connections, and of course everyone who was so looking forward to seeing her ride at Badminton.
"All the team wish her well and hope she is back in the saddle soon."
