“I know there is room for improvement and I am confident I can achieve it.”

Discussions are underway that could see Germany allowed to compete in the final of the Furusiyya Nations Cup final, despite the country’s decision to pull out of the Swiss leg last Friday.

Despite the successes achieved last year, Ireland show jumping manager Robert Splaine was yesterday in no mood for talking up his squad’s chances in this year’s Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Series.

The RDS and other historic show jumping venues could face serious competition in remaining in the top-level Nations Cup series if proposals for a revamp proceed next year.