Highworth international event rider Paul Tapner, who competes for Australia, has suffered the misfortune of losing one of his most promising up and coming horses.
Giacometti, who is owned by the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort, hosts of The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, sadly developed an infection in his jaw bone which was inoperable and did not respond to antibiotics.
Giacometti had been at home on the Badminton Estate on his Winter break at the time of his illness after a successful 2008 season with Paul.
Jack, as the 11 year old was known at home, finished 8th in his first Advanced one day event at Thirlestane Castle in Scotland, won at Gatcombe this autumn and also travelled to Necarne and completed the CCI two star course.
The Duke and Duchess of Beaufort had owned Jack since he was a foal and had hoped to see him one day compete at their own Badminton Horse Trials.
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