Zara fence hit blow for GB gold hopes

ROYAL Olympics horserider Zara Phillips clattered into a fence today as Team GB’s quest for gold took a further blow.

Zara spoke of her “disappointment” after sending the bar on the second fence flying in the team eventing.

Britain has high hopes of winning its first gold medal in the competition - with the Germans their chief rivals.

The crowd — including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry — fell into a hushed silence as Zara tackled the course, which included jumps featuring a miniature Nelson’s Column and bright red post boxes.

Disappointed ... Zara after her event

After her round Zara said: "I just had to get on with it (after the second fence went down).

"Unfortunately that happens but he (her horse High Kingdom) jumps magnificently and he lost two shoes yesterday.

"I'm just disappointed for the team but I'm chuffed to bits for him.

Royal support ... Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry watched their cousin

"You want to get the team in the best position and, hopefully, Mary King and Tina Cook can jump good rounds. The whole week has been an amazing experience."

Today is the decisive stage in the equestrian eventing in Greenwich Park, south-east London.

Despite Zara’s mistake the eventing team can still secure a place in the medals as only the top three scores from team of five are counted.

Famaily affair ... Camilla with Zara's mum Princess Anne