HEIKE Holstein will be the first Irish equestrian rider to enter the arena at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on Sunday morning at 9.36am Irish time.

Holstein’s home-bred mare Sambuca (Samarant x Limmerick) passed this morning’s vet check at the Equestrian Park in Tokyo and has been drawn to ride her Grand Prix test midway through Group D on Sunday.

Some 60 combinations start in the Grand Prix which runs over two days, beginning tomorrow (Saturday). The Grand Prix serves as a qualifier for the Grand Prix Special (team final) on Tuesday, July 27th, and the Freestyle (individual final) on Wednesday.

The competitors compete in six groups of 10, with 30 competing on Saturday and 30 on Sunday. A total of 18 - two from each group, plus the next best six scores overall - will qualify for the Freestyle final, while eight of the 15 teams will qualify for the Special.

Heike Holstein and Sambuca training at the Tokyo Olympic Games \ Tomas Holcbecher

70 horses were presented at this morning’s vet check. Two were sent to the hold box – French alternate Hot Chocolat VD Kwaplas (Isabelle Pinto) and later withdrawn, and Portuguese alternate Sultao Menezes (Carlos Pinto) who will represent again tomorrow prior to the first competition. The alternate USA horses, Don John (Nick Wagman) withdrew before the vet check.

HOW TO WATCH

The Grand Prix Special and the Freestyle final will be shown on BBC One and BBC iPlayer (player is available in the UK only) from 9am.

RTÉ2 plan on showing Heike Holstein in action on Sunday, subject to what other Irish athletes are in action, and Wednesday’s final (subject to qualification).

NBC, who are a Broadcasting Rights Holder for the Olympic Games, will be live streaming all equestrian events. Viewers can pay €6.99 for a month-long subscription. See full equestrian schedule here.