Showjumping legend David Broome is backing the quartet in the quest for a first British Games medal since Los Angeles 24 years ago.

Britain won showjumping medals at the first eight post-war Olympics, including bronze successes for Broome in 1960 and 1968.

He remains the only British rider to win two individual medals, but on the 40th anniversary of Mister Softee's heroic performance at altitude in Mexico City, Broome believes a four-strong team of Stockdale, John Whitaker, Michael Whitaker and Ben Maher could end what has been a long wait.

The Whitaker brothers boast vast experience, with 53-year-old John winning a European title and numerous World Cup events, while Michael's portfolio features several European team and individual medals.

They were also members of the 1984 Olympic silver medal-winning team, alongside Tim Grubb and Steven Smith.

Roade-based Stockdale and Hertfordshire prospect Maher, who is just 25, both make their Olympic debuts, and Broome is enthusiastic about their prospects.

He said: "People have been saying for the past 20 years or so that we've had a decent shot, but then we haven't come up with the goods.

"I think more preparation has gone into it this time than ever before, and I feel we have quite a reasonable team.

"There is a great shortage of top horses in the world at present, and there are no out-and-out favourites for the individual gold medal, apart from maybe the German horse Shutterfly.

"John Whitaker is terribly determined. He has put his heart and soul into this, as have all the team.

"They have been getting some good results. Tim Stockdale, for instance, is jumping superbly well, and young Ben Maher has a horse (Rolette) that can jump out of its skin.

"I will be disappointed if we don't get something somewhere."