It's just been announced that Zara Phillips has withdrawn from the British Olympic Team due to an injury sustained in training to her horse, Toytown.

A reserve combination of a horse and rider will now take Zara's place.

In a statement released moments ago, the Princess Royal's daughter said: "I am very disappointed not to have the opportunity to ride at the Olympic Games and feel that Toytown deserved his chance to go."

"However, with horses these things happen and we still have a very strong team. I wish them every success."

The news comes just two days after Zara posed alongside members of Team GB at a photocall where the focus was as much on her private as public life.

Although there's no suggestion today's news is as much about diplomacy as about the sporting career of the Queen's granddaughter, the Beijing Olympics have been at the centre of huge controversy even before they get underway in August.

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Name: exploora

Comment: Ok I won't mention Seabuiscuit and how he recovered and was trained to be one of the best and to go beyond his limitations including his pre-conditioning to be a loser. I think Wills and Harry have the right strategy for good luck, go for a Royal Wee-Wee before the event. Of course Zara is too dignified to do that, but what do I know. I think Zara will be safer anyway. I sort of have a bad feeling about these games. I hope they work out.

Name: Jean Sue Libkind

Comment: I agree with Monika. Toytown has had injuries before and Zara, as a responsible owner, has not ridden him until he's well. This must be a major disappointment for her; it pretty well precludes her Olympic dreams, but Zara isn't the first person to lose out on the timing for an Olympics. As for other horses, the training required and the sympatico between rider and horse are such that it would be difficult to have more than one "ready to go" at any one time. For Zara's events, it is not "pick a horse, any horse."

Name: M-M	Comment: A personal disappointment for Zara who has worked very hard ..... but I can't help wondering if there will be a wedding in her schedule once she gets over it ?

Name: exploora	Comment: I feel bad too, but why doesn't she have two or three horses? Cyclists have access to two or three bikes. It is not like they can't afford two or three horses. I watch the olympics. I like the cycling and the swimming. I like the hockey and skiing too.

Name: Frances	Comment: I feel quite badly for Zara.

Name: Rachel	Comment: Although I'm not a huge sports fan, I was looking forward to seeing Zara in the Beijing Olympics. Well, only four more years till next time.

Name: exploora	Comment: That is such a shame. I remember Princess Anne participating when I was a little girl in the Olympics 76. It was quiet amazing. Maybe a plate of Pasta Lucozade orange would make them feel better. It is better not to push Toy town if he is hurt. But a plate of pasta might help.

Name: Monika	Comment: I don’t think this is political; she’s had issues with this horse before. I think this is a sensible decision by a woman who is not only a keen competitor, but someone who is also compassionate enough to do what is best for the animal. It’s not all about winning.

Name: isabel	Comment: Politics... It's a shame, but a reality, that the Games are used to make a political statement.