Experience of Whitaker could prove vital for GB in Madrid

The squad includes Scott Brash, riding Intertoy Z; Ben Maher, riding Triple X 111; Nick Skelton, on board Carlo; Guy Williams riding Titus 11 and John Whitaker, who is once again riding Peppermill.

All five riders have been on great form recently.

The team’s trainer, Ron Hoekstra, said: “We are taking a strong team to Madrid, with a combination of the Nations Cup teams that won in Dublin and had a great result in Rotterdam.

“There’s a great mixture of young and experienced riders on the squad and it’s particularly great to welcome Guy on board for what will be his first championships.”

Huddersfield’s John Whitaker, at 56, is the most senior member of the squad.

He has represented Great Britain on 180 Nations Cup teams and was a member of the silver-medal winning team at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984.

POTENTIAL equine stars of the future will take centre stage at Osberton International Horse Trials which take place near Retford at the end of this month.

Along with the international CIC one and two-star competitions, there are the four, five, six and seven-year-old championship finals.

There will also be in-hand classes for the best mare and foal, yearling and two-year-olds as well as the BEF Futurity finals.

The event runs from September 29 to October 2. For more information go to www.osberton-horse.co.uk.