DORSET star William Fox-Pitt produced a stunning performance on day one of the Rio Olympics eventing competition to take gold medal 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 on his 2015 Badminton Horse Trials winner Chilli Morning.

Fox-Pitt, aboard Chilli Morning, holds an advantage of 0.6 penalties heading into today's cross country.

Britain, meanwhile, are fourth in the team competition.

They are 1.3 penalties behind Australia in third, with France currently second and Germany first.

Team and individual medals will be decided by the show jumping on Tuesday.

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."

The duo will take to the cross country course at 3.39pm.