OLYMPICS / Barcelona 1992: Broome's heavy fall puts place in doubt: Equestrianism: Genevieve Murphy reports from El Montanya

DAVID Broome's participation in next week's show jumping contests is now in doubt because of injury. The 52-year-old, who was aiming to ride in his sixth Olympics, hurt his back in a fall at Royan in France last weekend.

The original plan, which was to bring the riders to Spain by minibus yesterday, had to be abandoned. They will now fly to Barcelona this morning and Broome will be given a full medical check-up on arrival.

Broome's injury occurred when he was riding Lannegan in an evening contest, shortly after the floodlights had been switched on. It is thought that the horse's eyesight had not adjusted to the lighting when he refused, sending Broome over his head for a heavy fall. The Welshman has not been able to ride since the accident.

Ironically, the Royan show had been regarded as the ideal place for the British squad to have a quiet final work-out before Barcelona. If Broome's injury proves serious, the other four members of the squad - John and Michael Whitaker, Tim Grubb and Nick Skelton - will form the British team.