Olympia hosts test of British

Eight of the world's top 10 horses take on the best young British-owned stars at Olympia's International Horse Show tomorrow.

The performance of these youngsters will be in the spotlight following the British team's lacklustre showing at the World Games earlier this year.

The British No2, Robert Smith, has the most internationally experienced of these horses, Marius Claudius.

The eight-year-old's victories this season include the Royal Windsor and Athens grands prix and he has competed in three Nations Cups.

Veteran rider Nick Skelton, who has shunned retirement despite having been out with a broken neck, will be riding Arko II.

All season Skelton has adopted a successful policy of not hurrying but jumping clear rounds in order to school the stallion.

Skelton thinks the bay has great potential and believes he is a realistic contender for the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Keith Shore will make his debut in the major classes at Olympia with It's Magic Max.

At 17.1 hands high, his horse has an unorthodox style and doesn't look an easy ride.

But Shore said: "All the horse wants to do is leave the jumps up.

"He's cheeky and, at best, a bit of a monkey to clip. A good fun horse, always having a buck and play."