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.
- Send an email to abbygibbon, the author of this post at abbygibbon@horsenation.com
Beautiful!!
To bad Edward isn’t still riding him. I never liked how Rath handled that gorgeous horse…
Do people actually die from mono? I had mono in high school and still rode?! It’s the OLYMPICS! He’s not running the 100m dash, he’s riding dressage. I feel like it’s just a cover up for not being to ride the horse as well as Edward.
Agree with Jocelyn.. I mean like.. it’s the Olympics! I would still attempt to go even if I was on my deathbed, especially on a horse like Totilas!
Totilas is looking worse and worse. He looked to beautiful and *relaxed* with Edward riding him. Now he looks peeved and tense.
This should have been Totilas’ year…with Edward Gal he would have been practically guaranteed the Gold Medal. Such a shame this partnership was broken. Can you imagine what Edward is thinking now????