Equestrianism: Phillips makes a play on Toytown

Individually, Britain dominate the leaderboard, with Phillips, 22, riding her big chestnut 12-year-old Toytown, in pole position. She has one showjumping error (4.6 penalties) in hand after an impressively assured performance, never hesitating or veering off her carefully planned route.

Pippa Funnell, whom Phillips replaced in the team after her top horse Primmore's Pride dropped out, again showed exceptional skill on her comparatively inexperienced ex-racehorse Ensign. She added just 4.8 time penalties to her excellent dressage score, despite near-disaster at the bounce into water which later claimed the reigning European champion, Nicolas Tozaint, who fell there from Hildago de L'ile.

Funnell is second, ahead of the Belgian rider Karin Donckers with Gormley (42.7), and Fox-Pitt with Tamarillo (43.3), who were foot-perfect and finished fresh, easily inside the time allowed. Jean Lou Beigot of France and the German Frank Ostholt come next, both with 44.4.

Brakewell once again proved a brilliant pathfinder on Over To You, making up 12 places after the dressage phase. Going last as anchorman again, Law had to work very hard to get Shear L'Eau round. The horse, hero of the Athens Olympics, ran out of steam quite early in the course and had to be nursed round, especially after nearly falling at the 19th fence.

The team trainer, Yogi Breisner, was pleased, not only with his team riders but the entire British squad of 12, all of whom completed with credit. Only eight riders completed inside the time, but the majority of starters jumped clear rounds, making the dressage phase more influential than in previous championships.

With so many scores close together, today's showjumping will prove a nail- biter, and despite their healthy lead there will be no complacency in the British camp. First the horses must pass a stringent veterinary inspection, and then leave the poles standing. The pressure on young Phillips will be her greatest test to date.