Boyd Exell has won his sixth world title of his long driving career ©Getty Images

Boyd Exell has remained as the reigning champion of the individual event following the conclusion of the International Equestrian Federation World Championships in Pratoni del Vivaro.

The Australian weathered through heavy rain in the cones to record a clear round and 5.92 time faults, putting his overall total for the competition on 156.06 points.

His rival Ijsbrand Chardon, representing The Netherlands, was unable to claim his first world title since 2002 after tallying 159.82.

Germany's Michael Brauchle secured the final podium spot with 163.89 points.

Chardon could not be too disappointed on missing out on gold in Italy as he sealed the team title with his son, Bram, who is also a European champion.

Bram Chardon registered 165.92 points to finished fourth while Koos de Ronde settled for seventh.

The silver medal went to Brauchle and the Germans thanks to the performances of Mareike Harm and Georg von Stein.

Harm took fifth in the individual event while von Stein concluded his competition in 12th.

Belgium took the bronze medal after Gleen Geerts, Dries Degrieck and Tom Stokmans finished sixth, 11th and 26th respectively.