Sir Mark Todd has delivered another sensational performance at the Badminton Horse Trials in England to sit second heading into the challenging cross-country course.
Sir Mark and Kiltubrid Rhapsody completed a sublime dressage round overnight to take the lead with an impressive score of 23.4 but they were eclipsed by Englishman Oliver Townend wo managed a stunning score of 20.8 (79 per cent) - the highest recorded at Badminton in 18 years.
The 62-year-old was full of praise for his mount.
"He's a lovely horse with great movement and a great temperament. He's come on in leaps and bounds this year," Todd told a press conference at Badminton.
"I'd been watching the dressage on and off and noticed the judges seemed to be giving better and better marks, so I was quietly optimistic."
The duo, who have been teamed up since 2016, now face the difficult 32-fence cross-country course tonight before the showjumping finishes the three-day event on Sunday night NZT.
Tim Price is the next best Kiwi in 14th.
Other Kiwis at the event sit outside the top 20.
Jonelle Price is currently 22nd with Classic Moet while defending champion Andrew Nicholson and Nereo are 33rd.
Caroline Powell and her mount Up Up And Away in a share of 44th, Dan Jocelyn and Dasset Cool Touch sit in a tie for 57th with Andy Daines and Spring Panorama in 67th and Virginia Thompson and Star Nouveau sit in 75th spot.
Todd is also campaigning with a second horse, Leonidas II, with that duo sitting in a share of 23rd.
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