A VERY tense Olympic qualifier was played out at Millstreet last week and the result half went to form with Australia leading throughout to qualify in first place – although not without drama on the final day – while China caused a surprise when beating Japan for the second slot.

Many queried why this qualifier for Groups F (Africa and the Middle East) and G (South East Asia and Oceania) was being run in Ireland and why at 3* level. Present at the event, Jack Huang, who is one of two Vice Presidents of the FEI and is Chair of Regional Group VIII, explained that Millstreet was accessible to riders based in Britain and mainland Europe.