Horse 'was going lame': Aussie rider dismounts on course as cruel injury halts medal charge
Australia is all but out of medal contention in the equestrian team eventing after Kevin McNab's horse, Don Quidam, was injured while on the cross country course.
Thankfully, the horse is expected to make a full recovery.
Shane Rose had made a solid start for the Aussies at the Chateau de Versailles course, but McNab was unable to finish his run when Don Quidam pulled up with a tendon issue on its right foreleg.
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"Don Quidam was going lame, had an issue with a tendon," Nine's Matthew Pavlich said reported from the venue.
Kevin McNab was forced to retire from the cross country after a tendon injury to his horse, Don Quidam. Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
"Speaking to the Australian team and the coaches just recently, it sounds as though Kevin has done the right job and jumped off the horse before there was further injury."
Don Quidam was taken to the vet clinic for checks.
An Australian Olympic team spokesperson confirmed the horse had suffered a soft tissue injury and is undergoing treatment, but is expected to make a full recovery.
By retiring from the competition, McNab was handed 200 penalty points, effectively ending Australia's chances of taking home a medal in the team competition.
The team was in 15th position (or second last) after the cross country.
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However a medal could still be coming home from the equestrian, with Chris Burton sitting in third place in the individual standings after his dressage and cross country performances.
Australia isn't the only team to have a medal chance ended by penalties, with Germany also out of the running after Christoph Wahler fell from his horse, Carjatan S, eliminating him from the cross country and also earning 200 penalty points.
Other riders from Ecuador, Poland, Portugal and Czechia were also eliminated from the cross country.
Shenae Lowings will take McNab's position in the Australian team for the jumping phase of the competition on Monday night (AEST).
