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Search forRetford's Olympic hopeful misses out on team medal
Sunday, August 17, 2008, 00:00
Stockdale (44) was one of only three British riders allowed to take part in the team contest at the Hong Kong arena on Monday evening– after team-mate John Whitaker was excluded.
The United States won gold with three clear rounds in a dramatic jump-off with Canada, while Norway secured bronze.
Britain, finishing on 37 penalty points, had to settle for seventh place.
Whitaker had been expected to jump in the final, even though he had withdrawn from Sunday's first round because his horse Peppermill had felt stiff.
But the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) upheld the objections of seven of the other eight national teams competing for medals.
But Stockdale – who began his riding career at Mike Saywell's Retford yard – accused some of Britain's rivals of unsporting behaviour.
"It's not in the concept of the Olympics," he said.
The FEI's decision put enormous pressure on Britain's three remaining riders, who had to compete without the luxury of a discard score.
Read Thursday's edition of the Retford Times for the full story.
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