British equestrians are angry because of the loss of three top medal hopes to rivals' teams. Team GB’s medal prospects in the show jumping events at London 2012 have suffered a severe blow after three of Britain’s leading horses were poached by rival teams from Saudi Arabia and Australia over Christmas.
In three multi-million pound deals struck shortly before the “transfer deadline” for horses to change hands ahead of the Games, leading contenders for the Great Britain squad in London went to rival teams.
The move leaves Britain’s pool of potential equestrian medal talent drastically reduced and has prompted anger and frustration in the equestrian community just seven months before the Games.
Two of the most talented British horses, Sultan V and Talan, were secured by the Saudi Arabian equestrian team, which is emerging as a major force in international show jumping thanks to a reported $500 million (£322 million) budget.
The Saudi double-swoop came within hours of the New Year’s Eve midnight deadline for horses to change hands before the Olympics.
A third horse meanwhile, the European team bronze medallist Titus, has gone to Britain’s arch rivals Australia, and will be ridden by the world’s top ranked female showjumper Edwina Tops-Alexander.
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