Marilyn Little Meredith and RF Rovano Rex, photo by Samantha Clark
From a USEF press release, Marilyn Little Meredith has withdrawn RF Rovano Rex from the USEF Eventing Short List due to veterinary reasons.
“I am incredibly grateful to the USEF Selection Panel for their faith in RF Rovano Rex and myself, and for the honor of our inclusion on the Olympic Short List for 2012,” said Little-Meredith. “Unfortunately, I believe it is in the best interest of my wonderful partner to save him for another day, though I wish everyone all the luck on the road to London. The US is so fortunate to have such a talented and driven group of horses and riders to represent our sport in London, and these riders are equally as fortunate to have an unparalleled support system in place as provided by the USEF.”
Marilyn and Rex have been replaced by Will Faudree and Andromaque. Andromaque will now fly to the UK on June 18th with the other Short List horses. This withdrawal also moves Faudree and Jennifer Mosing’s Pawlow from the first ranked substitute position onto the Nominated Entry. All of the Short Listed horses will be evaluated again by the USEF Veterinary Panel prior to departing.
[UPDATE: 6/15/12, 2:30pm]
The Chronicle of the Horse has updated information on the decision to withdraw Rovano Rex:
Rex passed USEF veterinary inspections prior to the naming of the short list on June 11, but a subsequent bone scan requested by a USEF representative on June 13 and a second veterinary opinion independent of USEF team veterinarians Dr. Catherine Kohn and Dr. Brendan Furlong was considered. Pursuant to that evaluation, the decision was made to withdraw Rex.
“I want the best for my horse. He’s sound, galloping, and in the best form of his life,” Little-Meredith said. “I’m really disappointed, but I also understand that I am not a vet and if there is an opinion out there that thinks he should have more time, then that’s what needs to happen.”
