Double silver medal winning rider Gerco Schroeder has had his Olympic ride taken from him, due to financial problems of the horse’s owner.

Filed for bankruptcy

The appropriately named London was taken by Dutch government officials just after the thrilling jump-off at Greenwich Park which saw Gerco take an individual silver medal. The pair had already won team silver earlier in the week.

The talented 10-year-old was one of several horses owned by the Dutch real estate company, Eurocommerce, that were sold to Gevi International BV earlier this year. This company is owned by Ger Visser Jnr, who is the son of the head of Eurocommerce. 

Officials seized the horses to prevent their sale while they investigate these transactions and decide whether they should be included as assets of Eurocommerce, which filed for bankruptcy in July.

Calling London

As of last week the FEI database shows yet another change of owner for London and his stablemates, and they are now registered with someone called Sileste BV. However, it is unknown where London is currently being kept.

There are rumours in the Dutch press that the stallion is with gold-medal winner Ben Maher at his yard in Hertfordshire. However, Ben has left the country to compete abroad and is unavailable for comment.