According to Kukuk, the reality of the situation is quite different. He had already spoken with national coach Otto Becker prior to the World Championships, where it was agreed that Checker would be removed from the squad following the championship. Aachen was intended "in all likelihood" to be his final major championship. "The 2027 European Championship was never up for debate, and LA 2028 is still a long way off," Kukuk stated.

"Checker’s welfare and his longevity in the sport are always our top priority; the horse's best interest always comes before the sport itself. Should Checker—who will turn 18 in 2028—still be performing at the level he has in recent years, this withdrawal from the squad by no means rules out the Olympic Games. Just as participation would not have been guaranteed had we remained in the squad."

But why change the status quo in the first place? Kukuk explains:

"Above all, this change gives me the opportunity to make Checker’s competition schedule much more tailored and flexible in the meantime—always keeping his welfare in mind—while simultaneously allowing me to focus more on my up-and-coming horses like Akarad, Viki van Gogh, and Carrera, so that they too might one day have the chance to follow in Checker’s footsteps."

He firmly emphasizes:

"This step was in no way a reaction to recent selection decisions, as was suggested in the media. The decision was made on a completely different timeline. Managing Checker was the sole reason—nothing more, nothing less."