Because of that sudden injury it is already certain that Igor can't possibly be fit for the Olympics and so the knot was already cut.
"Everything went according to plan so far," continues Verlooy. "A fortnight ago I rode Igor for the first time in Sentower in Oudsbergen. I just let Igor soak up the atmosphere there again. The idea was to get him a bit more into the rhythm every week so that he would be completely ready for Tokyo. But then this, out of the blue. It is incomprehensible.
Paris
Jos Verlooy is 26 years old. In equestrian terms that is still young, so you could say that he will get plenty of opportunities to participate in the Olympics. "But I don't know if I will ever have such a top horse again, a horse with which I could have been on the podium for sure. In three years time Igor will be 16 years old. I am convinced that he can make it to the Paris Games, also because it is close by, but he will be 16 by then. That's the limit.
Valkenswaard
This weekend Verlooy is in Valkenswaard to compete in the Global Champions Tour/League. Among others with Varoune, his other top horse. With Varoune, Verlooy will also participate in the Nations Cup round in Sopot, Poland, in a fortnight time. Normally that should have been a first serious test for Igor. "That plan has now fallen apart, but with Varoune we will do everything to contribute to a strong performance by the Belgian team. It's a pity that Tokyo is not on for us, but Belgium has an unprecedented wealth with top riders like Devos, Bruynseels, Guéry and other Philippaertsen. I wish the riders who do go to Tokyo every success, of course. I will be their biggest supporter. Source: Press release