Equestrianism: Youth given its chance as Davenport joins team

Richard Davenport will be the youngest member of Britain's team when the long-awaited Samsung Super League for show jumping gets under way at La Baule in France next month.

The ambitious 23-year-old will be joined by Di Lampard, Tim Stockdale and Michael Whitaker for the first leg of this new team contest between the eight qualified nations: Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, the Netherlands, Great Britain and Ireland.

Getting on to the Super League gives British riders the opportunity to compete at the eight chosen venues, where the cream of European riders will be in contention. The series also provides a valuable form guide for Derek Ricketts, Britain's team manager, when he selects the quartet for August's European Championships in which British show jumpers have their last chance to qualify for next year's Olympic Games.