IT was an afternoon of drama both in and outside the Deodoro arena as 33 of the 65 event riders completed the Day 1 dressage phase. Sandra Auffarth got reigning gold medallists Germany off to a strong start when she took the lead mid-morning and her score of 41.60 with the Selle Francais gelding Opgun Louvo held firm until mid-afternoon.

Then the lead changed rapidly as first Christopher Burton’s lovely test with the nine-year-old Hannoverian gelding Santano II saw the Australian overtake Auffarth and put Australia in contention for a team medal too. Earlier on, Sam Griffiths, with the Irish-bred mare Paulank Brockagh, posted a score of 46.30 which at the end of the first day, sees the Australian team poised in silver medal position after their first two riders.