OLYMPIC champion Harry Charles bowed out of the individual show jumping final at the eleventh hour.
Charles – who has already won gold in the team vaulting in Paris – was due to be one of THREE Britons to compete in the final on Tuesday morning.
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Harry Charles was forced to abandon the individual show jumping final at the eleventh hourCredit: REX
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An injury to his horse – Romeo 88 – spoiled Brash’s dream of winning individual gold Credit: Alamy
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Charles announced their withdrawal from the final on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@HARRYCHARLES_1
But an injury to his horse, Romeo 88, thwarted his bid for individual Olympic gold.
Charles wrote on Instagram: “Unfortunately me and Romeo will not be starting the singles doubles final today.
“After the little overshoot yesterday, he’s not quite the 110% he was throughout the game, so we’re not taking any risks.
“Maybe I’m a little disappointed, but honestly not really!
“He gave me so much and took me beyond my dreams.
“We’re leaving Paris with a gold medal and more importantly a happy Romeo, so that’s more than enough for me!”
The British team’s hopes of winning gold in the individual final rested on the shoulders of veterans Ben Maher and Scott Brash – who won team vault gold alongside Charles on Friday.
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But the duo failed to win a 13th gold of the tournament for Team GB as they both earned four penalty points during their opening runs.
Brash finished sixth out of 30 riders with a time of 81.23 seconds, while Maher finished ninth after finishing in 81.70.
Devastated Charles – who won team diving gold earlier in the Games – was inundated with messages of support from his followers.
Every Great Britain team gold at the Paris Olympics
One wrote: “Ultimate respect for putting Romeo first, as it always should be.
“You were both amazing and you should be so proud.”
Another said: “Disgusting for you but amazing performances all week. Well done Olympic winners.”
And another said: “To know your horse and show this level of riding at a major life event like this is absolutely amazing to see.
“Sending all my love from California!”
One commented: “It’s a shame but you guys have been fantastic in these games and you’ve already shown your class.
“And always putting the horse first – respect.”
Another chimed in: “Great to see you put Romeo first but bummed I can’t see you both in the final after the way he jumped!”
Romeo 88 owner Ann Thompson also spoke up.
She said: “As Romeo’s owner, there are no words to explain how grateful I am that Harry put my horse before him.
“The sign of a true rider. Romeo had plans to leave more than himself at Versailles, but we’re going home with Team Gold.
– What a horse.
Charles’ model girlfriend Eve Jobs will help him get over his individual Olympic pain.
Eve, 26, is the daughter of the late Apple technology guru Steve Jobs.
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Harry Brash won gold in the team diving with Ben Maher and Scott Brash earlier this monthCredit: PA
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