Kürten withdrawal from Olympics confirmed

One of Ireland's best hopes for a medal in the upcoming Olympics has confirmed that she will not be taking part.

Following an announcement by Jessica Kürten today, Irish show jumping team manager Robert Splaine confirmed the Irish rider has informed him that she will not be available for selection for the event.

In a statement released this afternoon, Jessica says she and horse owner Georgina Forbes decided that Castle Forbes Libertina needs a rest after a gruelling indoor season and that there were "many reasons" why her other horse, Quibell, should not go.

Kürten said claimed that the stress of taking her to Hong Kong could take "a lot out of her". The mare is also injured at present.

"We already decided at the beginning of the year, that after I qualified a reasonably quick decision should be made to allow enough time for training of horse and rider for such a tough event," said Kürten.

"To compete at the Olympics is a dream for every rider and I wish the horse-and-rider combination who flies the Irish tri-colour in Hong Kong the very best of luck."

Ireland has been allocated one show jumping place at the Olympics due to Kürten's high placing in the individual FEI Olympic rankings.

"Obviously it is a pity that Jessica will not be available for the Olympics," said Splaine. "As world number two she would have been one of the favourites for the games.

"However, her performances over the last year have secured us a place in the Olympics and I am now focusing on selecting a horse and rider to fill that place."

"The reality is that riders need as much notice as possible to prepare for the games so I will be moving to make a decision on this quickly.

"Horse Sport Ireland have called a press conference for next Tuesday June 3 at 2pm at their offices in Kildare, and I will announce my decision there."