SORRELL Klatzko has withdrawn her horse Turbo from the 2023 FEI Dressage European Championship in Riesenbeck, Germany on veterinary advice.

The 10-year-old gelding by Totilas, who had been enjoying an excellent season to date in preparation for the championship, has picked up a minor injury. He was held at yesterday's first horse inspection and was not re-presented this morning after the decision to withdraw was made on horse welfare grounds.

Horse Sport Ireland Dressage High Performance Director, Anne Marie Dunphy, said: “Unfortunately Turbo picked up a minor injury at the show and as a result, in consultation with our team vet, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw him. He is recovering well and will be given all the time he needs to to be fully fit.”

Writing on her social media, Sorrell said: "Toto bumped himself yesterday morning. He's much better today but in the interest of his welfare we decided to withdraw. Wishing the rest of the team the very best of luck."

This is the second big disappointment for Kildare-based Sorrell who was eliminated at last summer's World Championships when Turbo was deemed to have taken an unlevel step by the judges.

No dropscore

Ireland, who are chasing one of three Paris 2024 Olympic qualifying places, are now down to three combinations - Abigail Lyle with Farrell, Anna Merveldt with Esporim and Judy Reynolds with Rockman Royal NG.

Lyle and the Fenella Quinn-owned 12-year-old gelding by Fabregas were first to go for the team in the Grand Prix test this morning. A couple of mistakes throughout the test saw the combination finish on a score of 64.037 %.

Abigail Lyle and Farrell at the FEI Dressage European Championships in Riesenbeck \ Joe Reynolds

Reynolds and Merveldt will compete tomorrow. The team medals will be decided solely on the Grand Prix, with the best three scores to count.

The Grand Prix also acts as a qualifier for the Grand Prix Special, which takes place on Friday and from which the first set of individual medals are decided. The top 30 combinations from the Grand Prix will qualify to compete in the Special.

You can watch the championships on clipmyhorse.tv (subscription needed).