Findon trainer Josh Gifford and his son Nick, 28, have been fending for themselves on the domestic front for more than a week.

Josh's wife Althea flew to Sydney nine days ago in the hope that daughter Tina would get a ride in the Olympic Three-Day Event.

He said: "Jane Kidd, chairman of the Dressage team selectors, persuaded Althea to go and, although in the end Tina, as reserve, has not ridden, she was very pleased she went and is enjoying herself out there."'

But Josh and Nick are keeping busy at The Downs Stables.

Josh's team of 45 is being geared up for the jumping season, while Nick will train nine horses for point-to-point and hunter chases from December onwards.

Dad said: "I am especially keen on Solomon who runs at Chepstow tomorrow week. All being well he will go on to the Charisma Chase at Kempton Park and then the Hennessy in November."

Josh admitted the horse disappointed him last year but said he is a late developer who has yet to show his best form.

Rouble, who won a bumper at Ascot in the spring and two promising novice chases, Roscoe and Silver Streak, are horses to keep in mind.

Philip Hide and Leighton Aspell ride out twice a week and do most of the schooling and will ride the majority of the Findon horses while Roger Varian is good value for his 7lb allowance and is improving all the time.

At the moment Nick has only three horses in training in his yard, the remaining six being qualified for point-to- points by their owners at home. Principal among these is Nick's aunt Sarah Dunsdon, whose son David rode successfully for Gifford last season.

Nick said: "I have high hopes of Nasoni who used to be trained here by Dad. Arlenesoin, who won in the summer with David riding, and Prince Buck should both earn their keep."

Meanwhile, in view of the really disappointing performances put up by Britain's three individual riders in Sydney after the team won silver medals, the selectors should be regretting the non-appearance of Tina. In hindsight, she could hardly have done worse than Stark, Dixon, and King.