Fox-Pitt also won silver behind Germany's Michael Jung in the individual competition, taking Britain's medal haul to five following a triple silver in the dressage from Laura Bechtolsheimer.

The eventers' latest success follows the European title they won in France last year, and establishes them as serious contenders for the gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics.

Britain dominated the team competition to such an extent they knew they would secure gold even if their last rider Fox-Pitt had three showjumping fences down.

But the experienced Olympian delivered a superb clear round aboard Cool Mountain to confirm a first world title since 1994, when Cook and King were also part of the British line-up.

Fox-Pitt, who guided Cool Mountain to victory in Kentucky's prestigious four-star event earlier this year, finished on a score of 42 penalties for second individually behind Germany's Jung on La Biosthetique-Sam, who was a clear winner, with Wiltshire-based New Zealander Andrew Nicholson on Nereo third.

The team event saw Britain finish on a score of 139.40 after King on Imperial Cavalier and Wilson on Opposition Buzz joined Fox-Pitt in going clear and meaning Tina Cook's eight faults on Miners Frolic could be discounted.

Canada were second, with New Zealand third, and as a jubilant Fox-Pitt left the arena British celebrations were already under way.

Individually, King finished sixth, one place behind British individual competition challenger Pippa Funnell, and Wilson 15th.

Britain's chef d'equipe and performance manager Yogi Breisner paid tribute to the riders and their horses.

"With the exception of Tina's hiccup, it has been just about the perfect week," he said.

"It was incredible and very rare for the three [score] counting riders of the team to finish on their dressage scores.

"It's exceptional.

"One of the reasons it has been such a good week is a reflection of the lottery funding and help we get.

"That whole package enables us to prepare the best we can for a Championship, which was reflected in the dressage competitions earlier in the week and now with us."


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