Horse fatalities
Sadly two horses have died during cross-country day at The
Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.
The first Skwal (no 19) the ride of Andrew Downes (GBR) jumped the
course and finished. He collapsed after leaving the main arena with
a probable heart attack.
The second horse Icare D’Auzay (no.40) ridden by the experienced
French rider Jean-Lou Bigot had a freak accident. The horse broke a
flag which severed an artery. Despite emergency treatment on course
and after being transported to a local centre of Veterinary
Excellence he could not be saved.
Contrary to anxiety before the cross-country about the ground, the
great effort put in by the Badminton management produced an
excellent track with 43 completions, 33 clear rounds – 18 within
the time.