Jones and Kirby Park Irish Jester Withdrawn from WEG

Megan and Kirby Park Irish Jester, photograph: Main Event Photography

Due to a travel related problem, Megan Jones and Kirby Park Irish Jester will be a very unfortunate withdrawal from the Australian Eventing Team for the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

While Jester has recovered well in the last 24 hours, for him to make the next leg of the journey from Los Angeles to Lexington and then compete 4* would be an unacceptable risk for the horse.

Megan and Jester will be replaced by US-based rider Peter Atkins and his horse Henry Jota Hampton who had been on standby should an unfortunate scenario such as this occur. We congratulate Peter and we are sure that he and HJ Hampton will be worthy representatives for Australia and make the most of the opportunity.

Our best wishes go to Megan and Jester for a very safe trip home after the end of the competition. Megan will now be able to spend her time in Kentucky cheering for the Australian Team, and eating deep fried cheesecake, which is one of the many deep fried foods on offer throughout the Horse Park!

Good luck Peter and HJ Hampton, and go TEAM AUS!

EA Website, Michelle Battams, Tuesday, 21 September 2010