Great Britain's hopes of winning a medal at the Olympics were given a boost at the Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead.

While many of Britain's Athens-bound squad are struggling for form ahead of next month's Games, the two showjumpers who will take part showed they are on top form in their last event in the country before travelling to Greece.

Nick Skelton finished second in the King George V Cup, missing the chance to take the £10,000 prize money by just 1.4 seconds from winner German Rene Tebbel, while compatriot Robert Smith claimed third place.

The competition is the most prestigious prize for male riders in the country and acts as the finale of the five-day event, which was once again a huge success.

The conditions and arenas of Athens will pose a completely different proposition to Sussex's famous showground, but the performances of the two riders will act as a huge psychological boost, as well as a warning sign to their medal rivals.

Skelton's display was the most impressive. The 46-year-old, who had retired in 2000 after breaking his neck before deciding to return for the Olympics, was not riding his mount for Athens, Arko III.

The stallion had developed a lung infection and nine-year-old grey Russel had to be drafted in on Friday.

However, that did not stop Skelton jumping two clear rounds before being edged out on time.

Smith had also had a faultless first round on his Olympic ride Mr Springfield, but clipped the penultimate fence in the jump-off to dash his hopes of claiming his third win.

Tebbel believes Skelton and Smith should pick up medals next month if they repeat this kind of form.

He said: "I didn't watch Nick (Skelton) go round because I knew he would go clear.

"He's such a good rider, you shouldn't watch him, you just have to go out and try your best.

"Robert (Smith) has gone clear all week, so it was about time he knocked one down. When he does go clear you know he will have a good time and normally win, so once he knocked one down I thought I had a good chance."

The fact Tebbel has not been deemed good enough for selection for the German Olympic team is a warning to the British riders.

They will also have to look out for Stanny Van Paesschen who will be flying the flag for Belgium. He had impressed with a clear first round on O De Pomme to go into the jump-off, where he eventually finished fifth with four penalty points.

However, Tebbel's exclusion is more about his inexperience and the fact he took all of last year off to teach young riders than lack of ability.

The 35-year-old said: "This was the seventh or eighth time I have been at Hickstead but it's the first time I have won anything.

"I took a break last year because I was looking after some guys for my sponsor, but it is good to be back now and winning things."

It was a clean sweep for the Americans in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, the showpiece for the female jumpers.

Molly Ashe took the £3,000 prize money on Lutopia, edging out Sheila Burke riding on Caya, while Judy Garofalo finished third with Oliver III.