Equestrian Australia announced the withdrawal of Kelly Layne’s nomination from Australia’s dressage team for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, after it was determined her horse Udon P would not be fit in time for the competition.
EA will now nominate reserve combination Sue Hearn and Remmington to Australia’s four-member dressage team, which also includes Mary Hanna (Boogie Woogie 6), Kristy Oatley (Du Soleil) and Lyndal Oatley (Sandro Boy).
Despite being in full work following a minor injury, it was clear to Layne that her horse would not be fit in time for the Olympics.
“This horse tries so hard for me and will never quit, so I know I am making the right decision for him,” said Layne.
ADVERTISEMENT
“His work under saddle is remarkable, but when we jog him he is clearly uncomfortable, and I would never want to jeopardize the best possible team result in Rio,” she added.
Layne’s withdrawal paves the way for Sue Hearn to make her Olympic debut at age 60. She will partner with 14 year-old warmblood gelding Remmington.
Hearn was a reserve for the Sydney 2000 team and now becomes Australia’s second-oldest Olympian on debut after sailor Harold Brooke who was 61 at Rome 1960.
Based at Berrima, Australia, Hearn won the Sydney CDI*** Grand Prix in April and traveled to Europe and was one of seven athletes to participate in Australia’s two-round nomination series throughout June.
