The Irish Riders today competed admirably on a course that produced problems at fences 7, 11, 13, 15, 17, 21, 22, 24, 26 and 32. The Irish had four horses out and four horses to compete.

First to go was Susan Shortt on Joy Of My Heart. The little mare and Susan were foot perfect, finishing one second out of the optimum time.

Second to go was Patricia Donnegan on Don't Step Back. The big grey and Trish did us proud making the course look small and insignificant. Trish had 11 time penalties but was clear all the way.

Nikki Cassidy on Mr. Mullins had two run-outs. The first one was at the first water where Mr. Mullins jumped in bold and missed the corner which was the third part of the water complex. Second problem was at fence 13 again where Mr. Mullins glanced off the corner in the farmyard.

Virginia was last to go. Unfortunately The Yellow Earl put in a big jump at the first part of fence 7. It was a two stride related distance. Ginny was left with a stride and a half to a large upright with a ditch. The horse was unable to make it and glanced off the side of the fence. She represented the horse, took the second element in fine style and proceeded to eat up the course. There were two hairy moments at both waters, whereby The Yellow Earl jumped big. Virginia stuck with him on both occasions, despite being slightly unseated but typical of the horse and the rider they kept straight and true.

The competition is still wide open and the permutations are exciting. In theory, the medal positions are still wide open. If Australia is to lose one rider other than Matt Ryan, they drop behind the British. If the British lose one rider other than Ian Stark, they drop from second to seventh. If New Zealand lose one rider other than Paul O'Brien, they drop to fourth. The United States cannot afford to lose a rider or the Team is eliminated. The Germans cannot afford to lose a rider or they slip behind the Irish. The Irish can afford to lose a rider and stay ahead of the Brazilians. The score as it stands at the moment is as follows:

The Australians have a team total of 114. Their non-scoring member has a score of 48.20

The British have a team total of 127. Their non-scoring member has a score of 135

New Zealand have a team total of 151.20. Their non-scoring member has a score of 110.60

The United States have only three horses finishing. Team score is 160.80

Germany have a team total of 220.80. Their non-scoring member has a score of 247.40

The Irish have a team total of 239.40. Their non-scoring member has a score of 119.20

The Brazilians have a team total of 266.00. Their non-scoring member has a score of 194.20

The French, Japanese, Belgiums, Spanish and the Italians did not complete with a Team.

Tomorrow morning's trot up is all important. Overall the Irish Team finished fit and well. There were no problems in relation to the horses after they pulled up. We are still in with a fighting change and whereas I would love the Irish Team to improve part of me feels that it would be very hard on any Nations, that have competed, to lose riders or horses. It was a good event, no horse was seriously injured and there were no fatalities.