Phillips forced out of Olympics - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Phillips forced out of Olympics

Zara Phillips has withdrawn from the Beijing Olympics because of an injury to her horse Toytown.

The horse was injured during training but Phillips was philosophical about not being able to go to the Games in China.

"I am very disappointed not to have the opportunity to ride at the Olympic Games and feel that Toytown deserved his chance to go," said Phillips. "However, with horses these things happen and we still have a very strong team, I wish them every success."

A reserve rider and horse combination will now be selected by the British Olympic Association after nomination from the British Equestrian Federation.

Simon Clegg, Team GB 2008 chef de mission, added: "This must be a huge disappointment to Zara, particularly following the pair's success over the last few years.

"Naturally, we now need to focus our full support on the rest of the team, including Zara's replacement, and give them every opportunity of competing to their full in Hong Kong."

Will Connell, team leader for the equestrian team, said: "The British team are saddened by the news, especially for Zara and her team.

"We have a strong team of reserves and the team are now focused on trying to win medals."

Sport in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
'He’s a better ex than he was a husband', says Boris Johnson's ex wife

A better ex than husband

We talk to Boris Johnson's ex wife
TV Baftas - in pictures

Best of the Baftas

Stars on the red, white and blue carpet
You big softie: Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?

You big softie

Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?
Pop star Paloma Faith, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video

Gay marriage

Pop star, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music

Grandpa Bob

Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London