Oliver Townend set a record on the opening day of dressage at the Badminton Horse Trials ©Badminton Horse Trials

Britain's Oliver Townend set a record for the lowest faults as he topped the standings at the end of the first day of dressage action at Badminton Horse Trials.

Townend, aboard Cillnabradden Evo, scored 19.7 to take a commanding lead.

His total bettered the previous record held by Andrew Hoy and horse Darien Powers on 20.5.

It leaves Townend, who lost two of his sponsors following a whipping scandal last year, in pole position for victory at the five-star competition.

"So far, so good," said Townend.

"I’ve only had time to give him one gallop since I’ve been home, but he gave me 100 per cent in there."

Townend's team-mate Tom McEwen is second after the opening day as he scored 24.7 on board Toledo de Kerser.

Piggy French and horse Vanir Kamira completed the all-British top three with 26.0.

The dressage competition is due to conclude tomorrow before the cross-country phase begins on Saturday (May 4).