Equestrian rider Emily Cousins helped the British dressage team clinch team gold at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney.

The 19-year-old from Harrietsham, along with team-mates Jessica Dunn and Charlie Hutton, started the medal haul in style for the young GB squad edging out Australia to take team gold by a whisker.

The British team scored 62.778 per cent to beat the Australians who came in at 62.556 per cent, less than a quarter of a point behind.

New Zealand also remained in the hunt until the very end, finishing third with 61.278 per cent.

World Class Performance Director Will Connell said: “I am thrilled for all the riders and team staff.

“This demonstrates that we have the riders and coaches that have the talent and drive to win. We need to work hard with the World Class Equine Pathway, owners and breeders to ensure we have the horses for our riders to win on.”

The festival is a youth multi-sport event which plays a significant role in developing future Olympians.

It seeks to provide future Olympic athletes with an environment reminiscent of an Olympic Games and promote the Olympic ideals of friendship, solidarity and fair play.