COURSE designer Captain Mark Phillips has been dropped by Burghley Horse Trials just days before an inquest into the death of Bradford on Avon rider Simon Long.
Mr Long, 38, was killed at last year's Burghley trials when his horse, Springleaze Macaroo, fell during the cross country at the sunken water jump designed by Captain Phillips, and somersaulted onto him.
The top-level international Hartington inquiry, called following the deaths of Mr Long and four other eventers last summer, recommended designers be changed every three or four years.
Burghley organisers said Capt Phillips being asked to step down after 10 years had nothing to do with the safety inquiry, but was because it was time for a change.
Capt Phillips said he had heard whispers that his role at Burghley could be coming to an end.
He said: I didn't think they had any grounds to ask me not to continue. I am not bitter. The committee obviously felt that they wanted a change. That is their prerogative.
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