WILTSHIRE riders featured prominently as the Olympic eventing competition got under way in Rio today.

As Great Britain's William Fox-Pitt, who has recovered from serious injury at the start of the year, rose into the lead, a number of county-based competitors featured inside the top 20 after the opening day of dressage.

Frenchman Astier Nicholas led the way, the Stockley-based rider lying fifth on 42.00 penalties on horse Piaf De Bneville.

Badgerstown-based New Zealander Sir Mark Todd and Leonidas II were two places behind on 44.00 while countryman Tim Price, from Marlborough, lay 13th with Ringwood Sky Boy, having been called up from reserve to replace Marlborough's Jock Paget, whose horse Clifton Lush sustained a late injury.

Fox-Pitt, who was in an induced coma for two weeks after suffering a head trauma when he was thrown off his horse at The World Young Horse Championship in France late last year, led the way after the opening day on Chilli Morning, with 37.00 penalties.

Australia's Christopher Burton and Santano II were second, with Olympic champion Michael Jung third on Sam FBW.

Price's wife Jonelle, on Faerie Dynamo, and Lower Stanton St Quintin's Kitty King, on Ceylor LAN, will be among those competing, along with Little Cheverell-based Canadian Rebecca Howard, on Riddle Master.

Baydon-based Brazilian Marcio Jorge is the last dressage competitor tomorrow, on Lissy Mac Wayer.