Spencer Wilton gets Britain’s medal bid off to a flying start

Olympic debutant Spencer Wilton and Super Nova II were the first British combination to go down the centreline today at Rio 2016 as the team dressage competition got underway.

The 13-year-old gelding did seem to be on his toes before entering the arena, spooking violently in the corner. But Spencer quickly got the horse concentrating again, and as the test progressed Super Nova visibly relaxed and was able to show off the quality of his movement.

Their score of 72.686 currently puts them on first equal with the USA’s Allison Brock and Rosevelt, at the midway stage of the first of two days of dressage.

“I had a fantastic warm-up, probably one of the best I’ve had, I was really looking forward to it and then unfortunately he just had a little fright just before he started,” said Spencer. “He just had a little moment which unnerved him. I did get the feeling that as the test went on he relaxed and I relaxed and we did get into it. I’m very pleased.”

The next British rider to go is Fiona Bigwood, who is due into the arena at 7.06pm BST. Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin will complete their Grand Prix tests tomorrow.

Spencer Wilton (GBR) & Supernova II (c) Jon Stroud/BEF Photos