Zara Phillips has withdrawn from the Olympic eventing squad because of an injury to her horse Toytown, the British Olympic Association (BOA) have confirmed.

The horse was injured during training but Phillips was philosophical about not being able to go to the Games in China.

"I am very disappointed not to have the opportunity to ride at the Olympic Games and feel that Toytown deserved his chance to go," said Phillips. "However, with horses these things happen and we still have a very strong team, I wish them every success."

A reserve rider and horse combination will now be selected by the BOA after nomination from the British Equestrian Federation.

Simon Clegg, Team GB's chef de mission, added: "This must be a huge disappointment to Zara, particularly following the pair's success over the last few years.

"Naturally, we now need to focus our full support on the rest of the team, including Zara's replacement, and give them every opportunity of competing to their full in Hong Kong."

Will Connell, team leader for the equestrian team, said: "The British team are saddened by the news, especially for Zara and her team.

"We have a strong team of reserves and the team are now focused on trying to win medals."

It is a double disappointment for Phillips after an injury to Toytown in 2004 also forced her to miss out on the Athens Olympics. She went on to win individual and team eventing gold at the European Eventing Championships the following year and was a surprise winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2006 after winning gold at the World Equestrian Games.