Pius Schwizer emerged victorious in the 1.45m five-star event in Valkenswaard ©Getty Images

Swiss rider Pius Schwizer triumphed in the 1.45-metre five-star event on the opening day of the Global Champions Tour in Valkenswaard.

Schwizer jumped a clear round on board Balou Rubin R to finish in a winning time of 26.87secs in the Dutch city.

American Spencer Smith, riding Theodore Manciais, was second in 27.57, while Ireland’s Denis Lynch, mounting GC Chopin’s Bushi, came third in 27.88.

Britain’s Ellen Whitaker, riding Colombia de Beaufour, missed out on a top-three finish as she placed fourth in 28.04.

There were also top six finishes for Belgium’s Jerome Guery, riding Grupo Prom Diego, and Frenchman Simon Delestre, on board Berlux Z who clocked 29.08 and 30.17 respectively.

Denis Lynch had to settle for third place on the first day of showjumping in Valkenswaard ©Getty Images
Denis Lynch had to settle for third place on the first day of showjumping in Valkenswaard ©Getty Images

It was the first day of the fourth GCT leg after events in Qatari capital Doha, Madrid in Spain and St Tropez in France.

Round one of the individual classification of the Global Champions League also took place today.

Belgium’s Olivier Philippaerts, riding Le Blue Diamond V’T Ruytershof topped the standings with a time of 71.42.

Second place went to Ireland’s Darragh Kenny, on board Scarlett du Sart Z in 71.59, while Britain’s Jodie Hall McAteer, riding Kimosa van Het Kritrahof, was third in 73.73.

Competition is due to continue tomorrow.