The defending champions started their campaign well at the US Trust Arena yesterday when Jessica von Bredow-Werndl’s leading score on TSF Dalera BB was backed up by another good score by Dorothee Schneider.

But it was the performances from Rothenberger and Werth that sealed the Germans their 12^th victory and seventh in eight editions of the World Equestrian Games.

Werth has won more medals than any other athlete in equestrian sport and today’s victory riding Bella Rose was clearly special for her as she burst into tears after posting 84.829 to put the result beyond doubt.

“Most people know that my heart is so close to this horse,” she said.

“She is a gift, I saw that when I first met her as a three-year-old and she has never lost it.

“Her lightness, her elegance, she never wants to make a mistake, she’s full of power and energy.

“it is the greatest pleasure to work with her.”

The battle for silver and bronze behind was tight, with little separating Britain, the United States and Sweden going into the final stages.

It was the Swedes who eventually missed out on a medal though, as Laura Graves’ last effort for the United States pushed them back into fourth by 0.15 points.

The Britons meanwhile had a nervous wait to find out their fate as their final score of 229.628 was already confirmed with riders from Sweden and the US still to go.

They ended up settling for bronze when Graves produced the second best score of the day at 81.537 to secure silver for the hosts.