THE Irish Sport Horse Paulank Brockagh has been ruled out of the upcoming World Equestrian Games with a minor injury, Equestrian Australia announced today (Tuesday).

The Sam Griffiths-partnered 15-year-old mare by Touchdown was bred in Co Wicklow by Paula Cullen and won the four-star Badminton Horse Trials in 2014, as well as finishing fourth individually at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

“Brocks sustained a minor injury in her final preparations and will not be fit to travel.”

“She will recuperate and then be prepared for Badminton 2019. Sam and Team Griffiths wish the Australian Eventing Team the very best of luck,” Sam Griffiths said.

Griffiths’ withdrawal means that 30-year-old Emma McNab has received a late call up to the Australian team. A regular on the Irish eventing scene, British-based McNab will ride the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Fernhill Tabasco.

The Tabasco van Erpekom-sired gelding was bred in Co Kilkenny by John Nulty and won The Irish Field CIC3* at Tattersalls International Horse Trails in June.

JUNG OUT

Germany's superstar Michael Jung has also announced his will not compete at WEG as his championship mount, fischerRocana FST, has picked up an injury to her right front fetlock during training.

In a statement, Jung said: “According to the veterinarian, it is a minor injury, but it takes time. Unfortunately, this time is too short until the departure and we could not complete the last training sessions.”

The 13-year-old German Sport Horse mare won the individual silver medal with Jung at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. The combination were considered one of the favourites ahead of this year’s Games.

Jung is currently ranked sixth in the FEI World Eventing Rankings. This will be the first time since 2009 that Jung has not appeared as part of the German team at a Championships.

Reserve rider Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du Matz will take Jung’s place on the team. Auffarth has no shortage of championship experience having won individual gold at the 2014 World Equestrian Games riding with Opgun Louvo. Viamant du Matz is a nine-year-old and this will be his team debut for Germany.