GLADSTONE, NJ--July 26, 2000--The United States Equestrian Team (USET) has announced that Alison Firestone of Upperville, VA has withdrawn her horse, Jox, from the U.S. Olympic Team Trials--Show Jumping, ending her chances for a berth on the USET show jumping squad for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

Jox developed an abscess and Firestone felt that it was in the horse's best interest that he not continue in the trials.

During the first phase of the Trials in June, Firestone qualified with Jox as one of 12 finalists who will compete in the second phase of the Trials which will determine the USET's four-rider squad for the Sydney Olympic Games. The second phase of the Trials is scheduled for August 2 and 4 in San Juan Capistrano, CA and August 6 in Del Mar, CA.

In accordance with International Equestrian Federation (FEI) rules, no horse may replace Jox in the trials.

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