Medal tally may slip

THREE-time Olympian Vicki Roycroft says last year's equine influenza outbreak may cost Australia an equestrian medal at Beijing.

Roycroft said the EI outbreak had resulted in a "bloody horrible" six months for riders and the horse industry.
"Oh for sure, for sure," Roycroft said when asked if EI had dented Australia's medal hopes. "The cost is enormous.
"Personally, I spent two months not sitting on a horse. That's a world record for me. I rarely go a day without sitting on a horse.
"At least with the competition in April we can start to get our eye on the ball again (but) we've got bit to make up."
The Sydney International Equestrian Centre will host a showjumping and eventing qualifier next month, with a dressage qualifier to follow in early May.
Roycroft rated herself an outside chance to make this year's team.
She said Australia was lucky to have a number of experienced riders based in Europe who were unaffected by the EI outbreak, and Australians should not give up hope of a medal.