WILLIAM Fox-Pitt slipped from first down to 22nd in the Olympic equestrian after a disappointing display in a dramatic day of eventing.

The Sturminster Newton rider was in the gold medal position overnight after a classy dressage showing in the opening round of the event.

But after a round littered with mistakes, the 47-year-old, on Chilli Morning, fell down the rankings.

It wasn’t a good day for Great Britain’s other riders, as in the team competition, they fell from fourth down to eighth, leaving their medal hopes in tatters.

The quartet will compete in the show jumping today, looking to better their ranking.

Following the cross-country  round, Australia's Christopher Burton leads the individual competition and his country are the ones to beat heading into the final event tomorrow with New Zealand and France occupying the other medal spots.

Individual placings for the Team GB athletes after the second phase: William Fox-Pitt (22), Pippa Funnell (27), Kitty King (33), Gemma Tattersall (44).