Allison Springer and Arthur. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Allison Springer announced this morning that she has sadly withdrawn Arthur from Rolex after the 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse cross gelding sustained a minor injury. Allison posted the following statement on the Allison Springer Eventing Facebook page:
“I am completely gutted to say that after sustaining a minor injury, I have unfortunately decided to withdraw Arthur from Rolex. His well being for the long term has, and will always be, something that no matter what is my top priority. I would like to thank Arthur’s incredible owners, my sponsors, friends and family for their support during this time, and wish everyone competing this year the best of luck.”
Allison and Arthur were gearing up for their 11th CCI4* start this year after completing both Rolex and Burghley in 2014. They were also invited to participate in the $50,000 Wellington Eventing Showcase in January, where they finished in the top 15.
Boyd Martin and Pancho Villa. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Pancho Villa, one of Boyd Martin’s three rides, is also missing from the entry list today. Owned by the Pancho Villa Syndicate, the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding most recently finished second in the Advanced B division at The Fork and is entered in the CIC3* at Fair Hill this weekend.
With the Pan American games looming, it’s likely that the horse is being aimed at a spot on the U.S. team instead of Rolex at this point. Boyd confirmed to EN at Carolina International that he thought Pancho would be a good horse for the Pan American Games.
This latest withdrawal brings the total entries down to 79. Thirteen horses have now been withdrawn since entries went live: Mr. Medicott, Copper Beech, Zatopek B, Cavallino Cocktail, High Times, HHS Cooley, Manoir de Carneville, Nonsensical, Mojito, FRH Butts Avedon, Parklane Hawk, Freddie Mac and Arthur.
