Equestrianism: Scott targets British call-up

Scott Smith is hoping to recapture his Aachen form – and so gain a place in the Great Britain squad for the World Equestrian Games that will be announced on Sunday – when he rides Cabri d'Elle at the Royal International Horse Show which begins today at Hickstead. The 28-year-old Briton achieved a double clear round in the Aachen Nations Cup last month, but Mike Dawson's stallion had a setback two days later, injuring the heel of his near-fore when overreaching in the Grand Prix just over three weeks ago.

Since then, Cabri d'Elle has had a couple of warm-up classes at the Chester International Show last weekend, proving his well-being without Smith attempting to be competitive. Having been "a bit casual" at Chester, Smith will be in serious contention at Hickstead where September's World Games will be beckoning. His three team-mates for tomorrow's Nations Cup – Mark Armstrong, Di Lampard and Tim Stockdale – will be equally purposeful. All four are likely to be named for the squad, with Michael Whitaker or William Funnell possibly joining them.

Stockdale's claims for selection were also bolstered by good performances at Aachen with Colin and Anne Garratt's attractive grey gelding, Parcival. "The horse has matured a lot this year, Aachen was the watershed," Stockdale said. After the German show, Parcival went to Neuendorf in Switzerland where he helped Stockdale to win nearly £19,000 plus the leading rider title. The grey has since had a fortnight's break. "He's better when he's fresh," Stockdale said.

Ludger Beerbaum, the brilliant European champion, will be part of a formidable German team for the Nations Cup, in which Ireland (who are aiming for a hat-trick), Belgium, Brazil, France and the Netherlands will also be represented. Beerbaum is likely to be favourite for Sunday's Grand Prix, which carries a first prize of £10,000.