An in jury to Supreme Rock is huge blow for Pippa (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

An in jury to Supreme Rock is huge blow for Pippa

NEWS has just come in from British Eventing that Supreme Rock, Pippa Funnell's Badminton 2003 winner has suffered a minor setback in his preparations and that, in his best interests, he will not compete this autumn.

Pippa's immediate reaction was: "This is a huge blow and the timing is obviously unfortunate.

"After long discussions with Supreme Rock's owners, Emma Pitt and her mother Di Lewthwaite, we have decided not to take any risks.

"Although it's a very tough decision, Rocky owes us nothing. Next year is very important to us all and the Olympics take precedence."

The 16.3hh, 15 year-old bay gelding will be competing again next spring.

No decision has been made as to which horses Pippa will ride at the Burghley Masterfoods Horse Trials and European Championships.

Nonetheless, the decision not to compete on Supreme Rock does not mean that Pippa's cannot now win eventing's richest prize, the Rolex Grand Slam - Lexington, Badminton and Burghley - since she does not have to compete on the same horse.