Germany's Bettina Overesch, individual gold medallist at the 1997 European championships, heads the IFG three-star field at Punchestown after the first day of dressage. The British-based rider took over the lead with the nine-year-old Unsung Hero towards the end of yesterday's action, deposing Frenchman Herve Letheux with Arno.

Britain's Terry Boon is third with the former Jeremy Spring ride, TSW One Hasty Retreat, less than three points adrift of the leaders. Co Armagh rider Wendy Rankin is seventh with Fairfield, three slots ahead of Jane O'Flynn and Kilnadeema Star.

Switzerland's Christian Landolt tops the KPMG two-star with the Irish export Lord Simba.