Badminton 2004 29 April - 2 May BBC TV coverage: Sunday, BBC Two, 1350 Britons face Badminton test Michael Tucker's course guide

Jones, who could only afford a one-way ticket to the UK, headed an Australian one-two-three after a fine performance on Kirby Park Irish Hallmark.

Jones sold five horses and raised over �8,000 to fund her trip in the hope of making Australia's Olympic team.

"I'm stoked," she said. "It's always been my dream to compete at Badminton."

Jones, 27, from Hahndorf near Adelaide, said she could not afford a return ticket to Australia.

Funnell fourth

Apart from horse sales and quiz evenings, Jones' fundraising also involved her secret passion, bellydancing, a hobby she would love to pursue more if she had the time.

"As it is I ride all day and teach all night," she said.

Co-owner of a stud with her Yorkshire-born parents, Jones bought her mount, the grandson of an Irish mare, as a four-year-old.

The partnership executed a fluent dressage test to lead from compatriot Matt Ryan, the quadruple Olympic gold medallist, on Bonza Puzzle.

Swindon-based Paul Tapner was third on Highpoint with Britain's leading hope Pippa Funnell fourth on Sue Bunn's stallion Viceroy II.

Dressage placings:

1. Kirby Park Irish Hallmark (M Jones, Aus) 42 pen
2. Bonza Puzzle (M Ryan, Aus) 44 pen
3. Highpoint (P Tapner, Aus) 44.8 pen
4. Viceroy II 9 (P Funnell, GB) 47 pen
5. The Psephologist (B Thomas, GB) 48.6 pen
6. Moon Man (W Fox-Pitt, GB) 49 pen