Fuchs, on board Clooney, edged out America's Jessica Springsteen and RMF Zecilie in a jump-off to secure his second consecutive win at the Lyon event, having triumphed with the same horse last year.

The world number two, the reigning European champion, completed the course just over half a second faster than Springsteen after recording a time of 41.27sec.

Belgium's Pieter Devos, riding Claire Z, was third in 41.95.

World number one Steve Guerdat of Switzerland was among those who could have snatched victory from Fuchs but he clipped the penultimate vertical on the course, ending his chances of topping the standings.

"I was lucky to start at the end of the jump-off because I could watch Jessica as I know her horse has about the same stride as Clooney," Fuchs said.

"So I planned to do like her, except I made one less stride to the last fence which made me win today.

"It's a big victory today, Clooney was in great shape and he jumped wonderfully."