Equestrianism: Skelton's Arko to be star of the show

Nick Skelton and the horse with the burgeoning reputation, the bay stallion Arko III, will compete at the Horse of the Year Show which opens today in its new home at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. Today's programme is confined to national classes, so spectators will have to wait until tomorrow to see the eight-year-old horse, who is thought to have all the credentials to lead British show-jumping out of the doldrums.

Much to Skelton's chagrin, Arko is only qualified for section two classes, which means he has to miss some of the big- money contests confined to invited foreign riders and British horses in section one. He could, however, earn sufficient points to be included in Sunday's Grand Prix. "It doesn't matter who you were or what you are now, you have to qualify," the aggrieved Skelton said.

Arko has been brought on quietly since Skelton (who broke his neck two years ago) came out of retirement at the end of April, so has not won enough money to be in the top section this week. Skelton is not high enough on the rankings to qualify for Olympia in December, so has to go to Addington in Buckinghamshire the weekend after Birmingham to try for one of the three Olympia places on offer there.

John Whitaker is also restricted by the system since Lord Z has not qualified for Birmingham. Whitaker may ride the 12-year-old bay stallion in the national final of the Daewoo Championship tomorrow evening, but will rely on Steps Helsinki, Randi and Lactic Two for the international classes.