Barbury 2016 - Day One: Italian Stella Benatti edges Britain's Laura Collett out of pole position
Laura Collett and Grand Manoeuvre (photo by Adam Dale)The day’s last but one competitor in the dressage stage of the first section of the CIC3* competition at the St James's Place International Horse Trials dislodged Britain's Laura Collett from first place.
Italy's Stella Benatti riding Zaron narrowly leads the CIC 3* competition (section b) at the end of the first day of dressage at the St James's Place Barbury International Horse Trials.
Stella, the penultimate competitor on day one, had a dressage score of 42.2 to put her at the top of the overnight leader board.
However, British riders dominate the next four placings; Laura Collett and Grand Manoeuvre on 42.6, Tom McEwan and Staff Des Champs on 46.1, Paul Simms and Glengarnock 48.8.
In equal fifth place are Alexander Whewell riding Chakiris Star and Oliver Townend and Note Worthy (49.7). The second day of dressage for the CIC 3 star continues tomorrow.
Spectators welcomed back to Barbury the two top ranking riders who have spent time recovering from serious injuries received in very nasty falls: Andrew Nicholson (the New Zealand Olympian based in Lockeridge) and William Fox-Pitt (announced recently as a member of the British team for the Olympics with his horse Chilli Morning.)
William Fox-Pitt... 
...and Secret Night 
Andrew Nicholson... 
...and Urma BK
At the end of day one Fox-Pitt and Secret Night lead Section C of the CIC2* competition with a dressage score of 41.1.
Local New Zealanders (based in Minal) Jonelle and Tim Price will be competing - she has three entries and he has five entries. These trials really are international with competitors representing twenty-one nations - and Olympic prospects are one of the main topics of conversation.
The first day sees many riders walking the cross country course which this year has some changes. And everywhere you are reminded that the final day of the Trials will see the third leg of the inaugural Event Rider Masters competition.
The television cameras are being prepared to cover the event which will be streamed live around the world . And their name is prominent wherever you look around the wonderful Barbury site up on the Marlborough Downs.
And if you wonder what makes eventing so special - take a look at this video with Sir Mark Todd from Badgserstown - who at Rio will be New Zealand's oldest ever Olympic competitor.