OLYMPIC champion Michael Jung has ridden into a commanding lead on the first day of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.

The German, riding La Biosthetique – Sam, rode a beautiful test on this, the first day of the international four star event, with a score of 34.4pen. He leads his compatriot Andreas Ostholt, who sits in second overnight on 38.2pen with So Is Et.

If he is able to take the Badminton crown, Michael will complete the Rolex Grand Slam – Burghley, Kentucky and Badminton - and be the first rider to do so since Pippa Funnell in 2003.

The highest placed Brit on the scoreboard overnight is Francis Whittington, on Hasty Imp, with former winners Sam Griffiths (Aus) and Jock Paget (NZL) in fifth and ninth place; although everything can chance with another full day of dressage and the Cross Country and Show Jumping disciplines still to take place.

Gloucestershire’s own Zara Tindell will also be hoping to impress the Olympic selectors when she takes High Kingdom into the arena tomorrow morning.

Ther Mitsubishi Motors Badminto Horse Trials continues until Sunday, May 8.