Jonelle, a multiple CCI5* winner, scored 28.4 on David and Katherine Thomson’s Capitaine De Hus Z, a new ride for her this season, giving her a narrow margin over second-placed British competitor Tom Jackson and Hambro Sport Horses’ HH Moonwalk, who go into Saturday’s cross-country on 30.1 penalties.

“He’s a new horse for me, so this year has been about getting to know him,” Jonelle said. “His former rider Ginny Thomasen has done all the leg work with him, and it’s been a case of making him feel more like my horse. His test yesterday was a step further in that direction. He’s a nice-moving, attractive horse so now we’re getting a clear round [in the dressage] we can think about adding some more ‘spice’ and I can be a bit braver in the mediums.

“He’s a cheeky, game little horse. He’s experienced at this level, often not the easiest across country as there’s nothing there to back them up. The control has been the main issue for him and I’m heading out tomorrow with a few questions that I don’t know the answers to yet. He’s a very good jumper; scopey and up for the job. I hope he can go out there and be fast on the clock while remaining respectful of the fences. I’ll tell you those answers tomorrow at about 1.30pm!”

In third place at this stage is Tiana Coudray (USA), with a mark of 30.8 aboard Coeur De L Esprit Z.

Top British riders dominate the CCI4*-S, also sponsored by The Malcolm Group, at the conclusion of dressage. Ros Canter had held on the top spot she secured yesterday with her own and Alex Moody’s Izilot DHi on an impressive 21.9 penalties, but Ros’s Paris Olympics gold medal-winning team-mate Laura Collett is lurking close behind with 22.1 with her triple CCI5* hero London 52.

According to equestrian sport statistics company EquiRatings, Ros and Laura’s scores are the two best at CCI4*-S level on Scottish soil since 2008.

And Emily King is also in a highly competitive position with the Burghley-bound Valmy Biats after posting a score of 25.3.

Ros has also taken pole position in the CCI2*-L on Jo Needler and Kate James’s Broadstone Lion Man, a British-bred eight-year-old by Billy Tudor who is contesting his first international event. They are on a mark of 26. Canada’s Rebecca Howard is in the runner-up spot currently on Dolmen Cooley, who scored 28.2.

The Malcolm Group CCI3*-L has another New Zealand rider, Ginny Thomasen, at the head of affairs after dressage. Ginny - who rode Capitaine De Hus Z before Jonelle took over at the start of this season - produced a score of 26.1 on her own and Phillippa Levy’s Katchafire. Second to them on 25 penalties are Alex Turnbull (GBR) and the veteran Harelaw Wizard, who, at 18, is just four years younger than his rider.

British rising star Heidi Coy remains on top in the CCI1* with 27.8 on Deborah Remijn’s Heggeland St Louis, while Eva Bryant and Colnaleen Rebel are ahead for Britain with a mark of 34.3 in the CCI2* for ponies.

Cross-country at Scone Palace starts at 8.30am on Saturday (23 August); tickets are available on the gate and online.

For more information, including a full timetable, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.sconehorsetrials.com.

Action from all three phases of the international eventing classes can be watched live on ClipMyHorse.TV.

Photo (c) Peter Nixon.