Equestrian Rider Disqualified From Tokyo Olympics 2020 After Judges Spot Blood on Horse’s Mouth

Equestrian competitions are underway. While the individual dressage events are resuming their course, a freak incident marred the event on Day 2 of the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

Judges handed Caroline Chew from Singapore a disqualification because of health issues concerning her horse. Notably, her horse Tribiani bled from the mouth, which resulted in the competitor’s disqualification.

Moreover, this was the debut event for a rider based out of Singapore, and the outcome disappointed her. The incident happened from Group D of the equestrian dressage qualifying round.

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The incident happened when she was performing the horse ballet with her 17-year-old horse. Caroline remarked about the incident and stated her horse’s condition.

“It was a bit of a freak accident … He was feeling really good actually, presenting really well, and then just caught his lip in the corner, I think. I didn’t feel it happen, but obviously, the judge saw it,” said Chew.

Likewise, Chew spoke about being blessed to be in the event after the sudden withdrawal of Team New Zealand from the qualifying event.

Even though the replacement spot for New Zealand was carried out to Malaysia, their sole rider, Qabil Ambak, could not get past the confirmation score. Therefore, this led to Chew’s inclusion in Tokyo.

The requirement score needed to qualify for the Olympics is 66, and Chew managed a personal best of 69.674.

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A learning experience for Caroline Chew

After having ridden since she was 6, Chew gains invaluable experience for the future. Despite being knocked out from the competition, she made it a point to express her happiness in representing Singapore in Tokyo.

“I would say (it’s) quite miraculous we got here, anyway. It was great, and I felt really humbled and privileged to be the first Singaporean at the Olympic Games for equestrian. It’s kind of a shame how it ended,” said Chew.

The judges stopped the event when they found traces of blood because of a cut. The SNOC (Singapore National Olympic Council) stated her horse’s condition after they confirmed no traces of blood after the event. The rules suggest disqualification of a rider if the judges found traces of blood near the lips.

Although it came out as a disappointment, Caroline Chew and her horse Tribiani can compete in Paris 2024. The team and individual dressage events at Tokyo Olympics continue, and the finals are set to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

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