Edward Gal, team gold medal winner at the 2015 European Championships, has decided to withdraw both his horses from the competing at the 2016 CDIO Rotterdam, the first mandatory Dutch team selection trial for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
"In consultation with team coach Johan Rockx, we decided (that) both Undercover and Voice will not start in Rotterdam," Gal communicated on Facebook via his sponsor Glock. "Last year Undercover was really frightened by the intense atmosphere so I don’t think it’s fair to ride him in again."
Gal had entered his top ride Undercover (by Ferro x Donnerhall) for the CDIO Nations' Cup in Rotterdam, while with his second ride Voice (by De Niro x Rohdiamant), with whom he represented The Netherlands at the 2014 World Equestrian Games, he would contest the CDI 3* tour in Rotterdam.
"Voice is going very well, but in terms of training is still in his building phase, after an injury. If I compete him now, I would go faster than I wanted to and it would be to risky. That's why we made the decision in consultation with Johan Rockx," Gal explained. "Obviously this is a difficult decision. I would obviously rather be in the ring, but the welfare of the horse is always most important for us."
Dutch team trainer Johan Rockx marked the CDIO Rotterdam and the Dutch Championships in July as two mandatory Dutch Olympic team selection trials. Gal has not released any information whether he will be competing at the Nationals. The KNHS has not disclosed that proving form at just one show can suffice for team selection.
Danielle Heijkoop and Siro will be replacing Gal's spot on the Dutch team for the Rotterdam Nations' Cup.
Photo © Digishots
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