THE appointment of one of the show jumping world’s most recognised names to the top job of Ireland’s chef d’equipe is one that has almost instantly raised the expectations of Championships medals for Ireland’s senior show jumping team.

The Pessoa name needs no introduction and in making such an appointment, Horse Sport Ireland is also making a real statement of its own. Make no mistake about it, getting green jackets onto the podium of the upcoming major Championships is the name of the game.