35-year-old Scott Brash missed the Olympics in Rio 2016 due to injuries to both of his Olympic-qualified horses.
Now the bad luck for the British continues.
During Wednesday's individual jumping final, Brash missed the jump-off after a time error, in addition, his gelding Jefferson incurred an easier stretch.
Thus, the crew chose not to participate in the horse inspection before Friday's qualifier before the team final on Saturday.
- In consultation with Scott, the horse's owner and our team veterinarian, we have decided that it is in the horse's best interest to withdraw from team jumping as a preventive measure to avoid a more serious injury, says team leader Richard Waygood to the association's site.
Britain was big favorites in advance, but now it looks all the more difficult for the nation, says SVT's expert Lotta Björe.
- It's very heavy.
He is one of their absolute best.
It is comparable to Peder not starting for Sweden tomorrow, says Björe to SVT Sport.
"Can definitely take gold"
Holly Smith replaces the Denver horse.
The 32-year-old thus makes his Olympic debut.
- Holly Smith is definitely not bad, she has ridden championships before.
But it can not be compared to Scott Brash.
How does this affect Sweden's medal chances?
- Sweden should be gold favorites.
The show they stood for yesterday, I do not think we will get to experience again in a jump for the medals.
They must be favorites in team jumping, absolutely, says Lotta Björe and continues:
- It would be wonderful if they could take a medal, and above all a gold.
And they can definitely do that.
It is a very close-knit team with extremely good form.
I do not see that there is a stronger team, but at the same time it can change so quickly.
Scott Brash, who is fourth in the world rankings, was part of the British team that took Olympic gold in 2012 at home.