Death Of Albert Zoer Top Jumping Horse Oki Doki

The FEI regrets the death of the outstanding Dutch gelding Oki Doki, who passed away this week. "Oki Doki was a legend within the equestrian family and it is very sad that he is no longer with us", said John Roche, FEI Jumping Director. "His incredible athleticism, sheer brilliance and the many successes with Albert Zoer will never be forgotten. Oki Doki's death is a great loss for our sport. We all would have loved to see him compete with his new rider José Larocca (ARG) at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games this year."

Oki Doki had initially recovered well following surgery on a tendon injury incurred during competition in Cannes, France, last month. The horse had returned to José Larocca's stables near Geneva, Switzerland, but developed complications on Tuesday night. He was immediately transported to a veterinary hospital in Berne (SUI) but could not be saved.

Amongst Oki Doki's greatest successes with former rider Albert Zoer were the Netherlands' team gold medals at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen and the 2007 European Championships in Mannheim. More recent achievements included a third-place finish at the 2009 Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Las Vegas and victory in the 2007 Olympia Grand Prix in London.

José Larocca bought Oki Doki from Albert Zoer earlier this year and was due to ride the horse at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky.