New Zealand horse-rider killed at British event

Published December 11, 2015

This file illustration photo shows a jockey riding a horse during a training session, on March 28, 2013. A 25-year-old New Zealand man died after falling from his horse during horse trials in northern England on Sunday, according to Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ). (AFP/File)

A 25-year-old New Zealand man died after falling from his horse during horse trials in northern England on Sunday, Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ) said.

Olympic riders from several countries were competing on the final day of the Somerford Park international in Congleton, Cheshire, when the accident occurred.

"A rider suffered a fatal injury at Somerford Park International Horse Trials today," Somerford Park said in a statement. "No further information will be released until the next of kin have been informed".

Equestrian Sports New Zealand later confirmed the rider was from New Zealand.

"This is a tragic day for our sport and thoughts of everyone in the NZ equestrian community are with the rider's family at this terrible time," said Jim Ellis, chief executive of ESNZ.

Cheshire Police said they were called to the site at 3:00pm local time (1400 GMT).

"Sadly, it was confirmed that a 25-year-old male had been pronounced dead at the scene... in what appears to be a tragic accident," police said.

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