30 year old Portuguese Event rider Francisco Seabra passed away this afternoon in a fatal fall while competing at the CIC2* Rancho Alegre Eventing Tour de Utrera in Sevilla, Spain. According to an announcement on Rancho Alegre’s website, the accident occurred at the third element of fence 10 of the Pierre Michelet designed cross-country course. Paramedics attended to Francisco immediately, and he was declared dead at the scene. The condition of his horse, 12-year-old Aferzysta, is not clear at this time. “On behalf of all the sports world, I would like to extend my heartfelt considerations to the family of Mr. Francisco Seabra,” said President of the Ground Jury Alain James in an official statement. Francisco represented Portugal at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy. He and the then 10-year-old gelding Zarthago finished in 44th place individually. Francisco was a very familiar and much-loved face in the eventing community, having competed regularly in events across Europe and in the UK, from Barroca d’Alva and Vale Sabroso to Blair Castle and Blenheim. Photo from Francisco Seabra's Facebook Page. Source : EventingNation
