LOWER Stanton St Quintin eventer Kitty King has had to pull out of next week’s Badminton Horse Trials.

The 34-year-old was set to compete with Ceylor LAN at the four-star event in Gloucestershire but this afternoon revealed on social media that she has had to withdraw due to an injury sustained in training.

King, who was part of the Great Britain eventing, team that came fifth overall at the Rio Olympics could not conceal her frustration in having to withdraw but admitted it was the best thing to do for the horse moving forward.

“Devastated to be writing this post but I have made the tough decision to withdraw Ceylor LAN from Badminton Horse Trials,” she wrote on Facebook.

“He has been on fantastic form this spring and has felt better than ever. I felt we had every chance to have a really competitive run.

“Unfortunately he has knocked himself in training and Sprouts owners and I don't feel we should be risking him and his bright future when he is only 10 years old.

“I'm extremely disappointed for his wonderful owners who have been so supportive and my home team who have put so much work into our Badminton build up.”

For full build-up to this year’s Badminton Horse Trials, see next week’s Gazette and Herald.