LIGHT on championship experience but certainly not on talent, Tipperary native Padraig McCarthy (38) adds an exciting dimension to the mix.

A former Grand Prix show jumper with a first class honours degree in economics and finance with German and a PhD study of business insolvency laws to boot, Padraig chose a career in eventing over academia just three years ago.

Through his marriage to former British international event rider Lucy Wiegersma, McCarthy rapidly made his mark on the sport, making his international debut for Ireland at Blair Castle last year.

As the only rider to be named with two horses for Rio 2016, Padraig had the choice of Lucy’s former European championship partner Simon Porloe or the comparatively inexperienced, but brilliant, Bernadette Utopia. He opted for Simon Porloe.

The couple, together with 14-month-old baby Tomas, are based at the Wiegersma family farm in Devon, where they run a training centre and produce and sell horses under the MGH banner.

Simon Porloe (PZHK) – 2000 bay gelding by Sofix out of Babilonia by Czubaryk. Owner: Christopher & Sarita Perkins