Photo: Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images South America

Mclain Ward is recovering in a Florida hospital after having surgery last night.

He sustained a compound fracture of the patella. He had been competing on Oh D'Eole in the Grand Prix when she fell at a jump. Ward had already won a class with Oh D'Eole this season in Florida and had said in an interview that he considered Oh D'Eole 'extremely strong' and might also thin about putting her in the Olympic trials, which will be held in March.

Ward may still have a shot at making the Olympic team even if he cannot make the trials as he has all the Olympic experience and would be considered a hot favourite for USA. Due to his experience and now that Sapphire is back in work, his name may be put forward as a subjective selection.

TopRider/nj