“It was great to do well tonight and get the ball rolling! I didn't want to take too much risk. I wanted to finish in the top five if I could," Bertram Allen said after his win. Photos (c) Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com.

Runner-up spot went to America's Rich Fellers with the amazing 19-year-old Irish-bred stallion Flexible, winner of the 2012 World Cup Final.

The Netherlands' Jur Vrieling and VDL Zirocco Blue N.O.P. shared third place when clearing the thirteen fence track set by Anthony d'Ambrosio in 66.44 seconds...

...exactly the same time of Patrice Delaveau and Orient Express HDC.

Fifth place went to Steve Guerdat and Albfuehren's Paille.

The best girl in the class was Penelope Leprevost on Vagabond de la Pomme, who ended 6th.

Martin Fuchs on PSG Future secured two Swiss riders in the top ten on the first day in Las Vegas.

Another young and talented rider in the top ten was Jos Verlooy who ended eight on Domino.

It was also time for a little show!

No. nine: Maikel van der Vleuten on VDL Groep Verdi N.O.P.

Defending champions Daniel Deusser and Cornet D'Amour ended as no. ten.