Dutch medal hopeful for the individual dressage medals received a blow after Imke Schellekens-Bartels and her horse Sunrise withdrew from the Saturday's Grand Prix Special at the Shatin Equestrian Venue.

Imke Schellekens-Bartels and Sunrise

Schellekens-Bartels, 31, considered as a medal contender, made the decision to quit following her horse Sunrise's injury.

"I can't believe it. The injury must have developed during the competition on Thursday. Before she was 100 percent in order. But afterwards we noticed a small problem that could well develop into something bigger and could harm the horse. This is the last thing I would want," said Schellekens-Bartels.

Schellekens-Bartels and Sunrise, 14, were part of the Silver medal-winning team in the Olympic Games on Thursday.

She and Sunrise finished the 2008 World Cup final in 4th place. The pair were in the European champion team and came 3rd individually, both in Grand Prix Special and in Freestyle.

The Netherlands have two competitors left: double gold medallist Anky van Grunsven riding Salinero and Peter Minderhoud.

Australian hayley Beresford, riding Lusitano Relampago, takes the vacant spot in the Grand Prix Special.

(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2008)