Bermuda's Olympic Games team were in a state of deep shock early this morning following a tragic accident involving Bermuda's Gold, the Pan-Am gold medal-winning mount of equestrienne MJ Tumbridge.

At just the second jump of the cross-country, the tiny mare clipped the top of the obstacle and immediately pulled up with what appeared to be a broken hind leg.

An official announcement 15 minutes later said: "Bermuda's Gold has suffered a fractured left cannon and has been taken by (horse) ambulance to the clinic.'' No other details were immediately available. The cannon is the horse's main bone between the fetlock and ankle. In Bermuda Gold's case, it's believed to have been severely splintered. However, an official in the main equestrian media centre said: "We have a very sophisticated veterinary clinic here. If anything can be done to save the horse, it will be.'' The entire competition was brought to a halt as veterinarians rushed out onto the course with Tumbridge attempting to comfort her horse.

One volunteer, in contact by radio with officials at the jump said: "I'm afraid they've brought out the tarpaulins. I can't say any more. It's not encouraging.'' However, news later suggested Bermuda's Gold was being treated.

Tumbridge had gone into the second stage of the gruelling Three-Day Event in confident mood, lying in 21st place after yesterday's dressage (see story in Sports, page 23).

Tumbridge was the 12th of 38 riders to leave the start and by the time she set off, four horses had been pulled up and one rider taken to hospital.

It's understood that Tumbridge was not badly hurt in the fall.

ACCIDENT AC EQUESTRIAN RAH