Aga Khan preview: "We won't be favourites, but we won't be too far off." That was team trainer Eddie Macken's prediction for this afternoon's Aga Khan Challenge Trophy, in which the home side are drawn fifth to enter the arena. "We stand a good chance of a top three finish," he added.
Both Macken and chef d'équipe Col Ned Campion view the British, winners in Hickstead a fortnight ago, as one of the chief threats to Irish hopes, but seem quietly confident that the quartet of Cian O'Connor, Marion Hughes, Jessica Kurten and Billy Twomey will fly the flag strongly for Ireland today.
"They're all capable of jumping clear rounds," Col Campion said yesterday. "They're not our Olympic horses, but it's important for morale that they go well before Athens.
"It would give the riders a real boost if we could go well in front of the home crowd. All boats rise with the tide." The Belgians kick off the action this afternoon, followed by France - winners for the past two years and currently heading the Samsung Super league standings.
America and Italy are next in before the home team, followed by Britain and Germany, with the Dutch last to go in the starting order.