FINAL DUESSELDORF 1- 4 APRIL 2004

Debbie McDonald and Brentina will not defend their title in Duesseldorf.

FEI World Cup Champion Debbie McDonald has had to withdraw Parry and Peggy Thomas's chestnut mare Brentina from the FEI World Cup Dressage Final in Duesseldorf due to injury. After their warm up competition at CDI Dortmund three weeks ago, where they won both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special, Brentina was found to have a slightly swollen leg. Despite careful monitoring, hopes that the US combination could defend their title were dashed when leading veterinarian Dr Peter Cronau diagnosed a mild tendon strain. While not serious for the mare's future, this would however make any performance during the next few weeks inadvisable. (see FEI website www.horsesport.org, section news, World Cup Dressage for full press release).