Team GB announces equestrian jumping team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
Friday 02 July 2021
The British Olympic Association can today announce the three horse and rider combinations and travelling reserve for the equestrian jumping competition at the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
London 2012 team gold medallists Scott Brash and Ben Maher make the squad along with debutant Holly Smith and Harry Charles named as travelling reserve.
Making a fourth Olympic appearance, Maher is heading to Tokyo with two confidence-giving wins on the Global Champions Tour this spring. Brash has finished on the podium at some of Europe’s most prestigious fixtures in recent months so is also in fine form ahead of his second Games. Smith’s selection makes her the first female on the jumping team since 1976.
Team GB Chef de Mission for the Tokyo Olympic Games, Mark England, said: “We are delighted to welcome returning Olympic gold medallists Scott and Ben to Team GB for the Tokyo Olympic Games who add an incredible amount of experience to this exciting side. I’d also like to congratulate Holly on her selection; a pivotal moment as she becomes the first female named on the Team GB jumping team in 45 years and we have no doubt that this debut Games will be a very special experience for both her and her teammates.”
Speaking about the selection, British Equestrian Performance Director and Equestrian Team Leader for Tokyo, Richard Waygood, said; “This is an exciting squad with three riders and incredibly talented horses in peak form ahead of the Games despite the challenges of competing with a COVID restricted calendar. There’s a great mix of experience and youth and will be a great sense of camaraderie in the camp as we strive to push for podium performances.”
Jumping (3 – 7 August)
Scott Brash (34) based in Horsham, West Sussex (from Peebles, Peeblesshire) with Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham’s Hello Jefferson (bay, gelding, 16.1hh, 12yrs, Cooper van de Heffink x Irco Mena, Breeder: Bernard Mols BEL, Groom: David Honnet)
Ben Maher (38) based in Bishop Stortford, Hertfordshire, with Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and his own Explosion W (chestnut, gelding, 16.1hh, 12yrs, Chacco-Blue x Baloubet de Rouet, Breeder: W Wijnen NED, Groom: Cormac Kenny)
Holly Smith (30) based in Loughborough, Leicestershire, with Ian Dowie’s Denver (bay, gelding, 17.1hh, 13yrs, Albfueheren’s Memphis x Chico’s Boy, Breeder: MG and AA Woertman NED, Groom: Kate Dodd)
Travelling reserve
Harry Charles (21) based in Alton, Hampshire, with Ann Thompson and his own Romeo 88 (bay, gelding, 17hh, 12yrs, Contact van de Heffinck x Orlando, Breeder: Picobello Horses BEL, Groom: Georgia Ellwood)
Photo: Left to Right: Scott Brash, Holly Smith, Harry Charles, Ben Maher (credit Peter Dixon)
