The opening World Cup of the modern pentathlon season in Acapulco, Mexico was cancelled due to the fear for the horses safety.

The men’s final and mixed relay were cancelled while the women’s final was cancelled after two events.

Sam Murray was 11th after the fencing but had risen to fourth place overall after the swimming before the event was halted.

A statement was issued by the Union Internationale Pentathlon Modern (UIPM), the sport’s International Federation, to explain the decision.

It said: “After conferring with the athletes and with conditions in Acapulco unfavourable to the health of the horses, the decision has been taken to cancel the remainder of World Cup number one.”