New equestrian blow for Australia

Australia's Olympic equestrian hopes took a fresh knock Thursday when a second competitor was forced out through an injury to her horse, just days after she replaced an earlier withdrawal. Three-day eventer Megan Jones, a late replacement for 2008 silver-medallist Shane Rose this week after his mount pulled up lame, was also ruled out when her horse Allofasudden injured its left fore foot. "The reality is this is the nature of our sport. Horses can sustain these injuries and before you know it, a sporting dream can come to an end," said Australia's equestrian team manager Brett Mace. "Megan would have been an asset to the team and this has been a very difficult time for her and her support team. There is no doubt that losing two horses just prior to the start of our Olympic campaign is less than ideal." The double pull-out gives a chance to third reserve Sam Griffiths and his horse Happy Times, who will make their Olympic debut pending official approval.