Michael Jung was in fine form in Kentucky ©Getty Images

Germany's Michael Jung has built a commanding lead at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event thanks to a fine performance in the cross-country leg today.

Riding FischerRocana FST, the double Olympic champion now has three jumping fences in hand over American Phillip Dutton at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Classics competition. 

Dutton is in second and third position after riding Fernhill Fugitive and Mighty Nice respectively. 

Jung was only two seconds over the optimum time of 11min,15 sec which was the fastest time of the day in difficult conditions which included wind and rain.

Derek di Grazia’s course was described as "a true test of horsemanship".

“When I say 'come on, we can do this’ she trusts me completely," said Jung about his horse.

Phillip Dutton has three riders inside the top ten
Phillip Dutton has three riders inside the top ten ©Getty Images

"She’s an absolutely great mare.

“When you finish a four-star course with a horse that has trusted you like that, it’s a great feeling.”

The nine other riders in the top 10 are all from the United States after New Zealander Sir Mark Todd dropped from sixth to 12th on NZB Campino.

Dutton, himself a double Olympic gold medallist, has three horses inside the top ten as Fernhill Cubalawn has risen from 19th to 10th.

Jumping action will conclude the event at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington tomorrow.