The New Zealand Olympic Committee has announced the death of Chesterfield, who was scheduled compete in the Three-Day competition at the Sydney Olympics next month.

Blyth Tait rode Chesterfield to a team bronze medal in Atlanta in 1996.

Chesterfield died from what is believed to be a cardiac arrest during a regular workout in England. The horse was being ridden by Tait’s groom, Fiona Fraser, at the time of the incident, while alongside, Tait was exercising another horse. According to Tait, Chesterfield’s death was quick and the horse didn’t appear to suffer. The incident occurred after completing one session of routine galloping, which Tait said Chesterfield had visibly enjoyed.

Tait’s horses are currently in quarantine in England, but he received special permission to take the horses to another site which is used for fast work. Therefore, an official quarantine vet was in attendance for the workout, and was able to offer assistance. There were no indications that the horse’s health status was questionable until the last moment