Ireland can still deliver in tomorrow’s European Championship Team Final in Gothenburg despite having to compete with just three riders, Cian O’Connor said tonight.

“We have three very experienced horses and riders, all capable of jumping clear,” O’Connor told WeLiveHorse. “I think we have a good chance but obviously there is no room for error.”

Ireland are in a share of third place with Belgium, behind leaders Sweden and second-placed Switzerland, with only a fence between the leading four. However the Irish team go into tomorrow evening’s final without Bertram Allen, and so will have no discard score.

Allen’s horse Hector van d’Abdijhoeve ploughed through a fence during this afternoon’s round, unseating the rider who, along with the horse, walked away from the incident apparently none the worse for wear, but it was later announced that the horse would not be tasked with jumping again tomorrow. Reserve rider Mark McAuley and Miebello cannot be called in as a replacement at this stage as substitutions are not allowed after the start of the competition.

“Bertram’s mishap was very unfortunate, but we are fully behind each other,” said O’Connor after the team dinner this evening. “It’s our job to pull through tomorrow – that’s what team-mates are for.”

Shane Sweetnam had set the ball rolling for Ireland this afternoon with Chaqui Z, following up yesterday’s clear with another immaculate round today.

After Allen’s subsequent elimination, Denis Lynch and All Star looked to keep Ireland on zero faults and only just failed, tipping the last fence after romping around the daunting course.

The pressure was then on O’Connor and Good Luck to keep the team total for the day down to four faults and stay at the medal end of the standings, and the pairing made it a perfect finish for the Irish team to claim a share of third place with Belgium.

“Good Luck felt super today. He’s in great shape, and I’m really looking forward to tomorrow’,” O’Connor said.

Sweetnam and O’Connor both moved up the individual standings after today’s clear rounds, and are in 6th and 7th place.

The team final takes place tomorrow evening, and the best 25 riders, team or non-team, will qualify for Sunday’s individual final. Denis Lynch currently lies within the cut in 24th place.

Mike Dunne