Joseph Murphy makes strong move in Pau

Ireland's Joseph Murphy lies second and fourth after today's cross-country phase of the four-star event in Pau, the first leg of the 2015/15 FEI Classic series in eventing.

The Co Down-based rider was home clear within the time on the Cruising gelding Electric Cruise, on which he was lying 10th overnight on a score of 46.3 penalties, while just two time penalties saw him jump from 20th to fourth with Sportsfield Othello. Murphy is bidding to become the first Irish rider to win a four-star event since 1965.

Germany's Ingrid Klimke remains in the lead on Horseware Hale Bob (40.1) with her compatriot Andreas Dibowski also retaining his third place on FRH Butts Avedon (46.3).

Britain’s William Fox-Pitt retired the fifth-placed Seacookie TSF, winner of this competition last year, after fence four and then withdrew Parklane Hawk on which he had shared the lead after dressage.