Olympic gold horse sold to Bruce Springsteen's daughter

Bruce Springsteen's daughter Jessica will now ride Murka's Vindicat W

Olympic gold medallist Peter Charles' London 2012 horse Murka's Vindicat W has been sold to the daughter of rock star Bruce Springsteen.

American international showjumper Jessica Springsteen will now ride the 10-year-old gelding that secured team gold at Greenwich Park on 6 August.

Team GB beat the Netherlands in a jump-off and it was Hampshire-based Charles' clear round that clinched top spot.

It was Britain's first Olympic team showjumping gold medal since 1952.

Charles, who won the equestrian event along with Scott Brash, Nick Skelton and Ben Maher, wrote on his Facebook page: "Vinnie is one of the best horses I have ever ridden, so the decision to move him on has not come lightly.

'Unbelievably proud'

"He produced an outstanding performance to secure team gold for Britain for the first time in 60 years, and I will never forget how that felt and how unbelievably proud he made me and my team feel.

"In order to invest in a new string of young horses in preparation for Rio 2016, we have had to make the decision to allow him to move to another rider.

"He will now be ridden by his new owner Jessica Springsteen for the USA.

"I wish Jessica the best of luck with him and I am sure he will make her proud, too."

Charles, 52, lives in the village of Bentworth, about four miles from Alton.

It is not known how much Murka's Vindicat W was sold for.