I was very pleased to receive the congratulations note from one of the Team Sponsors, Equitux, this morning. I believe that the girls have done a good job. They have recorded the best result for an Irish Eventing Team at a full Olympics for at least 40 years

One of the positive things that was achieved is that the Team seems to have justified the investment made by the Irish Sports Council. They allocated money towards the sport over the last two years. The money has been invested in Trainers and Team transport. The results are there for all to see. The success of our Juniors, Young Riders and our Team in the Olympics will, I believe, encourage the Sports Council to invest more money.

Today we had Trevor and Austin in the centre stage. We had mixed fortune. Trevor was clear but with time faults. Austin had a run out but considering this he was only approximately one minute over the time. Trevor on High Scope had a good cross-country. The horse and rider seemed to find no problem with the course. High Scope handled the conditions and course well. High Scope was fit, well and not too tired when he arrived in from the cross-country.

I know that Austin was very disappointed with Horseware Fabio's cross-country. Austin blames himself. I spoke to him at length in the stables afterwards. He said that the run out was his fault. As someone who has made a living in horses for the last twenty five years, I can tell you that the best riders admit their mistakes. Austin was worried that he let the owner and the horse down.

My overall impression of both horses is that Fabio is a true four star horse. I watched him over the last kilometer. The horse looked as if he was just cantering, considering his run out, his time was very good. High Scope is a lovely relaxed horse that made the course look small. His temperament is tremendous and one would believe that there is a thoroughbred influence in his breeding but this is not the case.