Our Swiss correspondent, Sonja Grob, has reported the very sad passing of a great mare: Steve Guerdat's Albführen's Bianca has died of a brain tumour, and in her final minutes was surrounded by her entire caring team. She was only 15 and brought Guerdat some of his greatest success stories in recent years, including double clears in Nations Cups, victory at the CSIO La Baule (2019), a bronze medal at WEG in Tryon (2018), and victory in Windsor that same year. She was the queen of Guerdat's stable and was loved by all who crossed her path, but was a feisty competitor who always produced a spectacular jump.

Guerdat won't be available for interviews as this loss has created a deep emotional void in his life, but he made the following statement: "My dear Bianca, My Queen, you left is far too soon and today my heart is bruised.  You've given us so much happiness these past few years and this moment is cruel. Cruel because I wish I could have offered you a lot more. Cruel because you're going to leave behind a huge emptiness. My heart goes hollow tonight because I miss you already. You will join princess Jalisca [Solier] and from up there you will watch over us. I never thought I'd get the chance to ride a horse of your stature and I'm so proud of you. Rest in peace."