Australia is out of medal contention in the team eventing competition after Kevin McNab came off his horse during the cross country section on the spectacular Chateau de Versailles course on Sunday.
McNab, one of the silver-medal winning team from Tokyo three years, made the decision to jump off his mount Don Quidam after sensing there was a problem.
The 46-year-old was able to walk away, but there was immediate concern for Don Quidam.
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Australia’s team reportedly rushed to the scene to immediately check on the horse.
According to News Corp, the horse’s leg was bandaged up before he walked onto the ambulance.
The withdrawal of one of the team’s three horses meant there was no chance of the Australian trio of McNab, Shane Rose and Chris Burton emulating the performance in Japan as the 200-point penalty for a retirement ends all hopes of a medal.
McNab had appeared to be going well on Don Quidam, a horse he owns at his British-base in Surrey and which transported him to the silver in Tokyo.
But he took no chances when he sensed some discomfort and pulled up between fences.
“Devastating news at the equestrian,” Matthew Pavlich said on 9.
“Kevin, unfortunately, had to hop off his horse. His horse was going lame, had an issue with a tendon.
“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.
“Unfortunately, it means that Kevin is out of the competition today and it means that Australia now out of medal contention.”
It was a grievous disappointment for the team, especially after their first rider out on the course on Sunday, Shane Rose, had enjoyed an impressive round, just giving up 2.80 time penalties.
Fellow Aussie Chris Burton remains a medal hope after backing up his brilliant dressage run with a faultless performance in the cross country.
He will head into the showjumping portion in the bronze medal position.
– With AAP