press_stuart_black

Ottawa, Ontario---The Canadian Eventing Selection Committee announced that a change would be made to the team of horses and riders for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

Following medical setbacks for both Stuart Black and his mount Blackout, the difficult decision was made to excuse that combination from the team. Though both horse and rider are expected to make full recoveries, the concern was that there was insufficient time for this to take place between now and the Games.

It was very fortunate the selectors could call upon the alternates, Garry Roque and his horse Waikura to step in to the spot. Roque and his horse were very involved in the pre-departure team training camp at Oak Crest Farm. (Gary and Waikura are pictured at the right at the Canadian Team's Final Outing at the Maui Jim Wayne Horse Trials, jumping out of the water.) Though it was uncertain until August 4 that they would be called into action, they had maintained their readiness under the watchful eyes of coaches Jim Wofford and Jane Savoie and in sessions with sports consultant Dave Cooper.

Roque and Waikura joins the team of Hawley Bennett and Livingstone, Bruce Mandeville and Larissa, Ian Roberts and Mata-Riki and Mike Winter and Balista.

Such a last minute substitution may take place only under exceptional circumstances as outlined in the International Olympic Committee’s Late Athlete Replacement Policy. For such competitions, all necessary paperwork is kept on hand in the event that such a change must take place.

The five horses began their journey to Athens August 5. They will then have several days to acclimate prior to beginning final preparations for the competition.

The Canadian Eventing Committee is grateful to Sport Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee and all of its patrons, benefactors, and sponsors for their continued support of the Canadian Eventing Team in its quest for a Team top–six placing at the 2004 Olympic Games.

Editor's Note: The following are some of the recent past performances of Gary Roque (44) and Waikura:

2004: 34th - CIC***, North Georgia. 2003: 22nd - CCI*** Fair Hill, MD; 46th - Foxhall CCII***, GA.