THE OLYMPIC hopes of a Middlewich-based rider are one step closer to fruition after it was revealed she has been chosen for the initial UK squad.

Caroline Pratt has been named in the long list of 14 riders selected for the British team for the Olympic Games in Athens next year.

Caroline, who was on the same list for the 2000 Sydney Olympics and represented Britain at the European Championships in France in 2001, will be hoping that this year sees the realisation of her Olympic dream.

The Middlewich rider has been placed on the list in recognition of her impressive performance at the Burghley Horse Trials earlier this year, where she finished seventh on Primitive Control.

She also finished second, on Kinsey Control, in the Olympic Test Event in Athens behind fellow British rider Terry Boon.

The 14 riders selected for the list will be supported by the UK Sport-funded Eventing World Class Performance Programme from January 1 and the squad will be reviewed in May next year prior to the final selections.

Yogi Breisner, British team manager said: "The riders on the World Class Performance Programme for next year are those who are currently in the running for selection for the British Olympic team.

"It is not a definitive list and it will be reviewed after Badminton next May and other riders may then be added if their performances in the spring warrant it."

He added: "By placing the riders on the World Class Performance Programme we are giving them access to specialist training and advice with the aim of giving the team of five horses and riders we send to Athens the best possible preparation."