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.

Hickstead was one of the sport’s legends, winning individual gold in Beijing in 2008, as well as producing four clear rounds in the final of last year’s World Equestrian Games.

Federation Equestre Internationale president Princess Haya said: “Hickstead really was a horse in a million and my heart goes out to Eric and everyone connected with this wonderful horse. This is a terrible loss, but Hickstead truly will never be forgotten.”

An autopsy to determine the cause of death is scheduled for the coming days.

On Saturday, Swiss-based Talbot won the feature jump-off with the gelding Nicos de la Cense at the Italian fixture, with Lynch fourth in the five-horse jump-off on Lord Luis. German-based Lynch also steered Abbervail van het Dingeshof to second place in an accumulator class.