Smith scored 21.8 points - a mere 0.1 shy of yesterday’s historic score by Marilyn Little, riding RF Scandalous, as she closed the gap on the leader in the five-star competition.

After two days of dressage, Smith and Little are separated by the smallest of margins heading into tomorrow's cross-country section at the Kentucky Horse Park.

"That was definitely his best performance," said Smith.

"He was such a showman.

"He was actually really nervous.

"It was kind of cute because normally he doesn’t really get nerves.

"He kept blowing his nose and wasn’t eating today.

"I think he knew it was a big day.

"He went in the ring and it was absolutely stunning.

"I almost cried.

"It was just so nice to have him go in there and have such a good performance."

Britain's Oliver Townend takes up two places in the top five.

He sits in third place with Cooley Master Class on 24.1 and fifth with Ballaghmor Class on 26.5.

US rider Boyd Martin piloted all three of his five-star entries into the top 11 with Tsetserleg TSF sitting in fourth on 25.4, On Cue in seventh on 27.0, and Long Island T in equal 11th on 28.2.

The last ride of the day saw Buck Davidson, riding Carlevo, slot into sixth place with a 26.7.

It turned out to be a superb two days of dressage, with the top 20 five-star competitors all scoring under 30.0.

In the four-star event, Smith scored a 25.4 on board EnVogue to break the three-way tie and take over the lead.

"I thought I had no chance," Smith said.

"But she went in and was super. 

"She was really rideable and expressive. 

"She really showed off."

Canada’s Colleen Loach, riding Vermont, notched a 27.0 to sit second.

"Monty is a giant," said Loach.

"We’re starting to develop a really strong partnership.

"He’s a lovely, talented horse, and I’m really looking forward to the future with him."

There are three riders in third position with Smith, riding Danito, Doug Payne, on board Starr Witness, and Liz Halliday-Sharp, riding Cooley Moonshine level on 28.1.

Competition is set to continue tomorrow.