Marlow’s resident Olympian Sir Steve Redgrave said a video of Charlotte Dujardin whipping a horse 24 times ‘isn’t a brilliant start’ for Team GB.

Dujardin, a dressage rider who was on track to become Britain’s most decorated female Olympian in Paris, withdrew from the multi-sport event on Tuesday, July 23, after a four-year-old video showing her whipping a horse 24 times was sent to the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI).

The video was posted online this week and shows Dujardin repeatedly hitting a student’s horse with a whip. The FEI has suspended her from competing in any competitions or events until an investigation concludes.

The 39-year-old was due to compete in both the individual dressage and team events in the coming weeks and winning a medal of any colour would have taken her clear of Laura Kenny, with whom she is currently tied on six medals.

Sir Steve Redgrave, who won gold medals for Team GB at five consecutive Olympic Games between 1984 and 2000 after learning to row while growing up in Marlow, told Times Radio yesterday (July 24) that it did not spell “a brilliant start” for the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team.

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Redgrave, who is commonly regarded as the country’s greatest Olympian, told presenters Stig Abell and Rosie Wright: “I only heard the news this morning – I was very shocked, (especially because of how) outstanding Charlotte has been in our history.

“By the sounds of it, she’s absolutely devastated by the situation she’s found herself in. It’s probably the right thing that she’s been suspended.”

In a statement to the PA News Agency, Dujardin said: “A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session.

“Understandably, the FEI is investigating, and I have made the decision to withdraw from all competition – including the Paris Olympics – while this process takes place.

“What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils, however, there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.

“I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors.”

She previously won individual and team gold medals at the London Olympics in 2012 and individual golds and silvers in Rio in 2016.