2008 Australian Olympic team rider Hayley Beresford will be missing the first of two Europe based Australian WEG selection trials. Her horse Jaybee Alabaster is not fit enough to compete at the first trial in Frizens on 4 - 6 July 2014.
Beresford had to withdraw her 15-year old Hanoverian gelding Jaybee Alabaster (by Alabaster x Glorieux) after he became lame a week ago.
"It’s been a very long, emotional and stressful week at my home in Bissingen," admitted Hayley, who co-owns 'Basti' with Bev Edwards. "On the 25th June Basti trained very well in the morning, however, when we pulled him out for a check in the evening he was not quite ok. By the 26th in the morning he was lame in walk and clearly uncomfortable in the box. Naturally my vet was called immediately. Basti has at some point banged his leg and has suffered an acute injury. He has responded very well and quickly to treatment and the prognosis in the short term looks promising."
In consultation with the Australian Veterinary Team, Hayley withdrew from the CDI Fritzens. "I thank the Australian Federation for their support and guidance through the selection policy consideration process. We will not be attending the first selection event in Fritzens this weekend," she said.
Hopefully Alabaster continues to respond well to treatment and can be back on track in time for the final selection event in Deauville in 4 weeks time. "His welfare will be our primary concern and will not be jeopardized at any cost," Hayley added.
Five of six short-listed Australian WEG team contenders are competing in Fritzens this weekend. They are Briana Burgess, Kirsty Oatley, Maree Tomkinson, Mary Hanna and Lyndal Oatley.
Photo © Astrid Appels
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