Germany one and two but Aussies have team edge

Olympic three-day event champions Germany began their title defence with a first day dressage one-two Saturday that saw Ingrid Klimke leading on 39.30 points, just ahead of Dirk Schrade (39.80). But a poor performance from Peter Thomsen, the first German rider into the dressage ring, meant it was Australia who had provisional pole position in the team event competition. Britain's Mary King, the 51-year-old veteran competing in her sixth successive Olympic Games, was third in the individual standings after posting a score of 40.90 on Imperial Cavalier, with Australia's Andrew Hoy fourth on 41.70. Klimke was thrilled with her day's work at London's Greenwich Park. "I did not think about any pressure. I focused only on turning in a good test that showed our strong points. That was my duty and luckily I did it." Schrade, cheered on by former England rugby captain and friend Mike Tindall, the husband of British Olympic eventer Zara Phillips, described his performance on his horse King Artus, a cross-country specialist, as the best dressage performance of his life. "I am delighted with King Artus," Schrade, competing in his first Olympics, said. "I expected him to be much more nervous, as it is unusual for eventers to perform in front of such large crowds. "But the competition is not over and we will keep fighting to the end." Ireland's Aoife Clark had the dubious honour of following Schrade into the ring and admitted the experience had given her the jitters. "I was waiting in the training area and when I saw Dirk's score, my heart sank. I was so nervous that I got goosebumps, so I'm thrilled with my horse. He (Master Crusoe) really tried." Schrade meanwhile conceded Germany's position as favourites was an additional burden. But he added: "We try to keep in our bubble, concentrate on our own performance and put the pressure away. "All of the team are experienced at doing this -- even me. I have done this so far and hope I can keep doing it for the rest of the competition." Germany's title defence got off to a rocky start when Thomsen's mount Barny lashed out with his leg. "He was bothered badly by flies during the canter work and this must have been why he did that," Thomsen said. "He has never behaved like this before. He is normally calm and safe and easy to ride. I am really disappointed." Another rider with regrets about her day's work was Jamaica's sole equestrian competitor Samantha Albert, lying a lowly 33rd of 37. Yet she was still smiling at her good fortune to be in the Olympic mix after a little help from her illustrious compatriot, Usain Bolt. Sprint superstar Bolt, the reigning Olympic 100m and 200m champion, donated three shirts and two signed books for a raffle the 41-year-old Albert staged in her local pub in Highclere, Hampshire, southern England. Meanwhile Australia's triple gold medal winner Hoy, competing in his seventh Games said after his round on Rutherglen: "It was a good start and if I can finish like that it would be great." On his veteran status, the 53-year-old joked: "I'm much quicker in the bathroom now because I don't have my hair to do." Sunday's action sees Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, make her Olympic debut as 56-year-old New Zealand legend Mark Todd -- twice an Olympic eventing champion -- competes in his seventh Games.