Equestrian: Powell heads Burghley field

Caroline Powell. Photo / Getty Images

Caroline Powell has taken the lead at the Burghley horse trials in England after yesterday's cross-country phase.

The New Zealand World Equestrian Games team member produced a brilliant cross-country run on Lenamore, posting the fastest time without disrupting a rail.

That left Powell on a total of 38.7 points for the three-day event, just ahead of Briton Oliver Townend on 39.6 heading into today's showjumping phase.

Five-time winner William Fox-Pitt, also of Britain, was third on 41.9 after also going clear but with time penalties.

Another New Zealander, veteran Mark Todd, improved from 18th to 11th on 52.7 points on Major Milestone.