The Irish Eventing team lie in fifth place overall and just marginally outside the medal places, as the influential Cross Country phase of the Olympic Eventing competition looms today (Monday) in Rio.

Nick Turner's four strong team finished the Dressage phase in impressive fashion, staying well in touch with the leaders. Sunday's action at Deodora Olympic Park saw Jonty Evans riding The Irish Sport Horse Cooley’s Rorkes Drift, and Mark Kyle riding Jemilla, both produce impressive scores. Ireland had gotten off to an excellent start on Saturday after personal best scores for Tipperary's Padraig McCarthy with the gelding Simon Porloe and Clare Abbott from Co Down with The Irish Sport Horse Europrince.

The top eight nations on the team standings are only separated by a small margin, ahead of today's Cross Country which begins at 2pm Irish time. Padraig McCarthy will be the first Irish rider to tackle the Cross Country course at 2.09pm, followed by Clare Abbott at 3.21pm, Jonty Evans at 4.47pm and Mark Kyle at 18.03

The individual and team Eventing medals will be decided following the final Show Jumping phase on Tuesday.