Nick Skelton and Michael Whitaker are both in contention after round one of show jumping's World Cup final. Whitaker was the highest-placed Briton in Las Vegas, securing ninth after a clear on Portofino in 64.64 seconds.
Skelton finished 16th after he and Olympic horse Arko III incurred a four-second penalty for a knockdown to leave them on a total time of 67.43.
Britain's other rider Richard Davenport and Laguina also had a fence down and finished in 28th place in 72.01.
Ludo Philippaerts of Belgium produced the fastest clear of the day - 61.57 - on Parco to take the early lead ahead of German pair Marcus Ehning and Markus Beerbaum.
Derek Ricketts, Britain's chef d'equipe, said: "It was quite a strong course without many options.
"Nick was having a really good go, but unluckily had a fence down. Richard is a bit down but Michael and Nick are certainly in a strong position." The second round takes place in the early hours of Saturday with the third and final round on Sunday evening.
World Cup final, Las Vegas, first round results (Thu) :
1. Ludo Philipppaerts (Bel) 61.57 seconds
2. Marcus Ehning (Ger) 62.62
3. Markus Beerbaum (Ger) 62.70
4. Kimberly Frey (USA) 63.12
5. Marco Kutscher (Ger) 63.25
6. Meredith Michaels Beerbaum (Ger) 63.30
7. Rodrigo Pessoa (Bra) 63.99
8. Lars Nieberg(Ger) 64.02
9. Michael Whitaker (GB) 64.64
Selected others:
16. Nick Skelton (GB) 67.43
28. Richard Davenport (GB) 72.01
MMIX
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