Whitaker out of showjumping

Great Britain's Michael Whitaker has withdrawn from the showjumping competition as his mare, Portofino 63, was declared unfit to compete. The horse arrived in Hong Kong in good condition, but became lame earlier this week for reasons that are still undetermined. Whitaker and Portofino 63 will now be replaced by reserve horse Russel, ridden by Nick Skelton. The showjumping competition begins tomorrow. Michael, 48, and brother John were regarded as Britain's best chance of a gold medal. The pair won team silver at the Los Angeles Games in 1984.