Benjamin Werndl of Germany won the fifth leg of the Western European League in Salzburg to move closer to a place at next year's FEI Dressage World Cup Final ©FEI

Germany's Benjamin Werndl won the fifth leg of this season's Western European League in Salzburg to improve his chances of securing a place at next year's International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) Dressage World Cup Final. 

Werndl, riding Daily Mirror, received a score of 80.79 points at at the Salzburg Arena Messezentrum to win the event.

This result puts Werndl second in the overall FEI dressage rankings with 45 points, behind compatriot and rankings leader Dorothee Schneider on 50 points.

With only three riders from each nation allowed a place at the final, Werndl's victory has put him ahead of fellow Germans Helen Langehanenberg on 34 points and Frederic Wandres on 30. 

Germany's Benjamin Werndl is second in the FEI dressage rankings, behind compatriot Dorothee Schneider ©Getty Images
Germany's Benjamin Werndl is second in the FEI dressage rankings, behind compatriot Dorothee Schneider ©Getty Images

The final is due to take place in Gothenburg from April 3 to 7. 

"All the other ladies want to go there too, but at least now I have a good chance, and I’m hoping to get to another qualifier in either Amsterdam or Neumünster in the new year," said Werndl.

Second place at the Salzburg event went to Sweden's Patrik Kittel, who scored 80.01 points, with Schneider finishing third on 79.73.