Totilas to Miss Olympics

Eurodressage reports that Totilas, current world record holder in Grand Prix Freestyle dressage, will miss the London Games. His rider, Matthias Rath, 27, is suffering from mononucleosis and not expected to recover in time.

According to Eurodressage:

German team doctor Dr. Manfred Giensch (Hamburg) explained that ‘today’s analysis of his blood tests do not allow him to do physical exertion soon and a start in London would cause a severe health risk.’

Normally the German dressage selection committee would travel to Kronberg on Friday 6 July for a final assessment of Rath and Totilas, before the definite nomination of the German Olympic Team could be made, but this trip has been cancelled.

‘It was my big dream to compete for Germany with this unique horse and this fun, young team at the Olympic Games,’ said a very disappointed Rath. ‘It would be unresponsible  towards my own health and towards my team colleagues to be nominated in this condition.’

Read the whole story at eurodressage.com.

Photo of Totilas, pictured with former rider Edward Gal of The Netherlands, via Wikimedia Commons.