Show halted after horse dies in arena

THE fourth leg of the Rolex World Cup in Verona, Italy, was halted yesterday following the sudden death of the stallion Hickstead in the arena.

The 15-year-old horse, ridden by reigning Olympic champion and world number one Eric Lamaze, had just completed his round with four faults when he collapsed and died in what was a distressing scene that left spectators stunned.

The competition, which featured Ireland’s Denis Lynch and Niall Talbot, was stopped at the request of the riders, as they offered their condolences to Canadian Lamaze. A minute’s silence was held.