Arko out of 2008 Olympic running

One of GB's top show jumping horses, Arko, will not compete at this summer's Olympic equestrian events in Hong Kong.

The horse has been withdrawn from the Olympic selection process by owners the Hales family, the British team management and rider Nick Skelton.

British Show Jumping's Derek Ricketts said Arko's stud duties and veterinary advice suggested "it wouldn't be fair to target him for the Olympics."

The decision means Skelton will also miss the Games.

Skelton broke his neck competing in September 2000, but battle back to compete at Athens in 2004, finishing equal 11th on Arko.

"The Olympics are challenging wherever they are held and Arko's withdrawal was down to a combination of factors"
Will Connell, British Equestrian Federation

Had the pair been selected to travel to Hong Kong, Skelton would have made his sixth Olympic appearance.

"Obviously this was not an easy decision, but one we felt would be in Arko's best interests," added Ricketts.

Will Connell, performance director at the British Equestrian Federation, said: "This decision has been made with the best interests of the horse in mind to ensure his long term future as both a working stallion and international competition horse."

Connell also told the BBC's Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes: "There was never any guarantee Arko would have been selected for Hong Kong but he is a very good horse."

Connell denied fears over the heat and humidity in Hong Kong had played a part in the decision to withdraw Arko.

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With Arko out of the running, who are your top GB show jumping prospects for the Olympics?
"The Olympics are a challenging competition wherever they are held and Arko's withdrawal was down to a combination of factors," he said.

"The facilities for the horses in Hong Kong are some of the best I've ever seen."

The British team for this summer's Olympics will be announced in June.

Skelton and Arko will remain available for this year's equestrian Super League events.

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