Phillips predicts British success

Captain Phillips won gold at the 1972 Munich Olympics (Getty)

Captain Mark Phillips says the British eventing team can win gold at the Beijing Olympics.

Phillips, who is coaching the United States squad, told BBC Points West: "They've been close so many times, it's time for the Brits to win.

"My job is first and foremost to do my best for the Americans. If we can't win then I'd rather see the Brits win than anybody else."

The equestrian events begin in Hong Kong on Saturday 9 August.

Phillips says the experience of William Fox-Pitt and Mary King put Britain in a strong position, even without his daughter, Zara Phillips, who misses out because of an injury to her mount.

We've just go to go there and do the business Captain Mark Phillips

"They have a great chance but, having said that, the Americans are going to be very tough and the French and the Germans as well.

"As Americans, we don't think we're out of it either. I think the medals will be for those five nations."

Phillips acknowledges it will be a tough physical challenge for both the animals and their riders.

"The climate is something we've never tried, that heat and humidity.

"They've cut down the length of the course a little and we're going to have to use a different tactic with the horses because we can't ride them for more than 20 minutes, half an hour maximum, without cooling them down.

"Everyone's going to have to pay a lot of attention to their health but we know what to expect and we've just got to go there and do the business."