DORSET star William Fox-Pitt produced a stunning performance on day one of the Rio Olympics eventing competition to take pole position in Deodoro.

Sturminster Newton's Fox-Pitt, who was placed in an induced coma just 10 months ago after suffering head trauma following a cross-country fall, leads overnight on his 2015 Badminton Horse Trials winner Chilli Morning.

A dressage score of 37.0 penalties for the multiple major championship medallist meant Britain enjoyed a dream start in their quest to not only secure a fifth successive Olympic eventing team medal, but first gold since Munich in 1972.

And with 15th-placed Gemma Tattersall - Britain's other team member to ride during the opening day - producing a solid score of 47.2 aboard Quicklook V, it meant an impressive opening ahead of Pippa Funnell and Kitty King riding their tests on Sunday.

Fox-Pitt, 47, only returned to competitive action in early April following a lengthy rehabilitation process.

He was unable to drive for several months, and at times could not even climb the stairs at his Dorset home, which makes his Rio exhibition all the more astonishing.

Stallion Chilli Morning is among world eventing's top performers, and Fox-Pitt coaxed a brilliant test out of his ride in searing heat to lead the field.

Australia's Christopher Burton and Santano II are second, just 0.6 penalties behind Fox-Pitt, with reigning Olympic individual champion Michael Jung third aboard Sam FBW and his fellow German Sandra Auffarth fourth with Opgun Louvo.

Germany, seeking a hat-trick of Olympic titles, lead the team competition at its early stage, from Australia in second and Britain third.

Ireland, meanwhile, lie sixth following consistent displays by Padraig McCarthy (Simon Porloe) and Clare Abbott (Euro Prince), who lie 12th and 13th in the individual event.

Fox-Pitt said: "That was what I was dreaming of.

"Chilli is great on the flat, and he did very good tests at the Caen 2014 World Equestrian Games and Malmo 2013 European Championships, and I did not want to let him down.

"In November last year, I thought Rio was still months away, but then I suddenly realised that Rio was just around the corner.

"I had lots of help with my rehabilitation and I saw more experts than I ever wanted to see. For me, it was perfect timing, and I am just lucky to be here."

And, looking ahead to Monday's cross-country challenge, he added: "That is the biggest Olympic course I have ever walked - and I have seen some.

"But Chilli is great out there, and I hope I'll do him justice."