Robert Smith will be anxious to prove that Britain does have a potentially top-class grand prix horse when he rides Senator Athos du Vallot at the Dublin Horse Show, which begins today here in Dublin.
The pairing had a single error in the first round of the King George V Gold Cup at Hickstead 10 days ago, thereby missing the jump-off and Smith will be keen to seize his chance this time round.
Initially an individual competitor, Smith was then brought into a squad which includes Scott Smith, Damian Charles, Tim Stockdale and Michael Whitaker from whom the team for Friday's Nations Cup will be chosen.
Britain's chance of defeating Ireland in the Dublin Nations Cup looks remote. The Irish are fielding Kevin Babington, Peter Charles, Jessica Kurten and Dermott Lennon – the team that won the European Championships – with Cian O'Connor completing the squad.
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