Britains David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed head the Defender Burghley Horse Trials leaderboard at lunchtime on the opening day of dressage (Thursday 4 September) on a score of 29.6.That was definitely the best hes ever gone in the ring. He was really settled, really rideable, and just nailed everything for me. Thats probably about the best hes going to really ever be able to do. Hes not built to do dressage so Im absolutely stoked, said David.Weve worked really hard on his dressage and its finally paid off and hes been able to show everyone what hes capable of. We nailed it today we lunged and rode him for the right time this morning and hes feeling the best hes ever felt in his body. Ive got to write this all down and remember it for next time.David and the 14-year-old KWPN gelding who is owned by David, Mary Fox and Gillian Jonas, were second here two years ago behind Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class after producing a clear cross-country round inside the time.Murphy moves into secondIrelands Joseph Murphy and Belline Fighting Spirit, who is owned by Richard Ames, Tanya Ames, Alan Bell and Annette OCallaghan, hold second on 30.9.Im really pleased. It certainly wouldnt be his strongest phase, but hes a beautiful horse, and now that hes more on side and Im a bit more confident with him, said Joseph who finished 49thwith the 10-year-old gelding at Mars Badminton Horse Trials in May.Amazing GraceGrace Taylor sits third with her mother Ann Taylors 13-year-old Irish Sports Horse Game Changer.My trainer Lisa White and I have been working on having him much more strong, supple and in front of the leg and hes enjoying his dressage more. He was always more of a jumping horse, but I always knew he could do really good dressage test, so I was frustrated with myself that I wasnt getting the marks, but its getting there, said Grace, who represents USA.Harry Meade is in fourth place with the first of his three rides, Et Hop du Matz, while fifth place is occupied by Irelands Austin OConnor riding Sixmilewater.The afternoon session will get underway at 2pm.Images Tim Wilkinson/Your Horse.Related contentMeet the Burghley first-timer on a quirky mare who dislikes large crowds and refuses flatwork lessonsHow to watch Defender BurghleyStrong entry field for Defender Burghley led by the reigning champion and current world number oneDressage judges answer: how can I improve my test score?Complete guide to the dressage arenaThe post David Doel in pole position on Thursday lunchtime appeared first on Your Horse.