THE quietly determined French team of Astier Nicolas (Piaf De B’Neville), Mathieu Lemione (Bart L), Thibaut Vallette Qing Du Briot and Karim Laghouag (Entebbe) moved up to take the gold medal this morning from overnight leaders Australia at Deodoro Olympic Equestrian Centre. Despite clear rounds from individual medal contender Christopher Burton with Santano II and Sam Griffiths with the Irish-bred mare Paulank Brockagh, the Australians dropped to team bronze medal position.

New Zealand plunged down to fourth place after their captain Mark Todd unfortunately lowered four fences, denying the popular Kiwi another storybook gold medal finish.