Paris Olympics 2024: Great Britain lead eventing as Laura Collett breaks record

Laura Collett set an Olympic record on London 52 to help Great Britain top the standings after the dressage phase of the eventing competition.

Collett and London 52, who the 34-year-old has described as “the horse of a lifetime”, smashed the record for lowest dressage score with 17.5 penalties in a superb performance to move into gold medal position.

The record had been held by American David O’Connor, who scored 19.3 at Sydney 2000.

British team-mates Ros Canter and Tom McEwan placed sixth and 11th respectively to leave Team GB top of the team competition with a combined 66.70 penalties, which is also an Olympic record.

Germany ended the opening day second, with 74.10 penalties, ahead of New Zealand on 83.00.

Canter, on Lordships Graffalo, received 23.40 penalties while McEwan topped the early leaderboard with 25.80 penalties.

Cross-country, the second of the three disciplines in eventing, takes place on Saturday at Versailles, where the equestrian competition is taking place against the spectacular backdrop of the palace.

Collett, who nearly died in a fall in 2013, helped the British team win its first eventing team gold in 49 years at Tokyo 2020 alongside McEwen and Oliver Townend – doing so on London 52.