Equestrianism: Whitakers seek Piazza action

BRITAIN'S top three riders - John and Michael Whitaker and Nick Skelton - will be competing in the Rome Horse Show which begins today in the Piazza di Sienna, writes Genevieve Murphy from Rome. The squad is completed by Paul Sutton and Warren Clarke, both young riders who are eager to hone their skills in top international competition.

The British were absentees last year but, thanks to increased support from P & O, they now join a distinguished field which includes the French, world and European champion, Eric Navet.

Ten countries will be represented in Saturday's Nations Cup, which has been combined with a national lottery for the first time this year. The contest will make thrilling viewing for anyone who draws a team since the lottery offers a prize of L2bn (about pounds 880,000).