GREENWICH’S time in the Olympic spotlight came today as an estimated 50,000 people lined the park’s cross-country course to see the world’s best riders take it on.

Sweeping images of the venue were broadcast around the world as bright sunshine showcased the borough’s prize asset.

Even the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived, joined by Prince Harry, Steve Redgrave and Seb Coe to take up some of the arena seats.

When it was announced as a venue, Olympic organisers spoke of their hope that this would be a major highlight of the Games in London. It did not disappoint.

The quirky 28-jump course included a fence with a crescent moon, one designed to look like a chess set and the Greenwich Borough jump – a mammoth drop to the ground below beside a model of the area made by local schoolchildren.

Horses even galloped through the park’s boating pond while another fence was based at the flower garden.

A fall for Canadian rider Hawley Bennett-Awad and her horse Gin & Juice on slippery ground was a reminder that this can be a dangerous sport, delaying the contest by around 20 minutes.

But an early highlight for British fans came as Mary King on her horse Imperial Cavalier, completed the course with just 5.20 penalties.

And Zara Phillips delighted her royal supporters with an outstanding run, followed later by a blistering ride by Tina Cook, which helped Great Britain hit second in the team standings, just behind Germany.

In the individual places, Tina Cook now lies in fifth place, with Mary King in sixth and Zara Phillips tenth.