Alexander Bragg was in good form for the British team ©Getty Images

Britain have risen from third place to claim the lead at the International Equestrian Federation's (FEI) Nations Cup Eventing leg in Millstreet.

Their team trailed joint leaders France and United States after the dressage action at the Irish venue.

But two of their riders completed today's cross-country phase without fault to propel the country to the top of the leaderboard.

Alexander Bragg on Barrichello and Flora Harris on Bayano both completed perfect rounds.

Francis Whittington on Nimrod II only collected 4.40 faults with Britain now top overall on a score of 90.90.

France have slipped to second on 110.30 with Christopher Six on Totem de Brecey collecting 16.60 penalties.

Francis Whittington was the only British rider to accumulate faults ©Getty Images
Francis Whittington was the only British rider to accumulate faults ©Getty Images

The US were hit by Bruce O'Davidson Jr withdrawing before the cross-country, meaning he tallied 200.00.

As a result they have dropped to fourth on 319.30.

This has occurred as the event is being held under the new format for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, with teams of three athletes allowed per nation.

This means no score is being dropped.

Ireland have moved up into third position overall on home ground.

The concluding jumping phase will round off the competition tomorrow.