Ireland – that sits in bronze medal position ahead of tonight's team final at the European Championships – will be left with three riders only, as Bertram Allen has decided to withdraw Hector van d’Abdijhoeve (Cabrio van de Heffinck x Utrillo van de Heffinck). Allen was eliminated in yesterday's round following a fall that came after a very scary jump on the oxer at no. ten.

On his official Facebook page, Allen writes: "In Hector's best interest I have decided not to compete tonight, but I can promise you that we will be back soon. Luckily we still have three strong riders on the Irish team for the Europeans, so I believe we can still win a medal. Good luck to the team tonight! I will be helping from the sidelines!"

Tied with Belgium in third on a penalty score of 12.11, the Irish will be extremely vulnerable tonight with no possibility for a discharge score. 

Source: Bertram Allen's official Facebook page // Picture © Jenny Abrahamsson