In short

In short

Angry Whitaker in quit shock

LEADING showjumper Michael Whitaker has turned his back on the British team after being overlooked for this year's Olympics, writes Anne Martin.

The row erupted following the final trial to select the second of two individual Olympic places. With Derek Ricketts, the British team manager, having already picked Nick Skelton and Arko III, the remaining place was between British No1 Whitaker on Portofino and Robert Smith with Mr Springfield.

But Smith was chosen despite the fact that Whitaker jumped two clear rounds and Smith incurred eight faults.

A furious Whitaker said: "Aachen, Hickstead, Dublin and Calgary this summer, forget them."

(c)2004. Associated Newspapers Ltd.. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.