Warning: This article contains graphic images and video which some readers may find distressing.
The fiancé of disgraced Team GB equestrian Charlotte Dujardin has spoken out after she was forced to quit the 2024 Games in Paris.
Dujardin was prevented from competing at the Games, which got underway on Wednesday, after being accused of whipping a horse more than 24 times in a shocking video.
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Dujardin was hoping to become Britain's most-decorated female Olympian this summer, with the six-time medallist currently tied with cyclist Laura Kenny.
But the 39-year-old will take no part in the Games, having withdrawn after admitting "making a huge error of judgement".
She has since been provisionally suspended by equestrian's governing body the FEI pending the outcome of an investigation.
ITV breakfast show Good Morning aired footage of the disturbing video on Wednesday morning, which appeared to show Dujardin hitting a horse with a long equestrian whip multiple times.
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The FEI said it had received footage showing the three-time Olympic gold medallist "engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare - during a training session conducted at Ms Dujardin's private stable".
The FEI added that Dujardin has so far fully cooperated with their investigation, and has admitted she is the individual in the video.
Dujardin released a statement of her own, in which she announced her decision to withdraw from the Olympics - just minutes before a deadline that she, British Equestrian and British Dressage were given to respond to the FEI's investigation.
"A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session," she wrote.
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"Understandably, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEl) is investigating and I have made the decision to withdraw from all competition, including the Paris Olympics, while this process takes place.
"What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils, however, there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.
"I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors.
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"I will cooperate fully with the FEl, British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage during their investigations, and will not be commenting further until the process is complete."
As reported by the Daily Mail, Dujardin's fiancé - Dean Wyatt-Golding - spoke on the matter outside their house, but directed people towards what she had said previously.
"I can't say anything beyond Charlotte's statement. All we can do is wait and see what happens," he said.
When asked how the video - which Dujardin claimed was "from four years ago" - had been released, Wyatt-Golding said the family "have no idea" and added that his fiancée was "obviously cooperating with the equestrian authorities for now".
Topics: Olympics, Horse Racing
Rory O'Callaghan