The 36-year-old also clinched the seasonal team title after a dream day on board Explosion W.

Maher, winner of an Olympic team jumping gold medal at London 2012, started the day one point behind Belgium's Pieter Devos in the individual standings.

However, he was in pole position to win as only nine scores from the season count towards a rider's tally, meaning Maher only needed to finish fifth or higher to triumph on Governors Island.

He did better than that as he prevailed after a seven-rider jump-off, going double clear and recording the quickest time of 34.08sec after his second round.

His display also helped his London Knights line-up defend the team title.

"I knew it would be a tough weekend, the dream was to win the team and the individual," he said.

"It doesn't happen often. 

"What a horse – he's incredible. 

"He understands me, I understand him, we have a great connection and it's a pleasure to be in the sport like this.

"It's incredible [to win the title for a second year running].

"Last year was unexpected, this year I've used Explosion a little less, I've used Concona, Madame X and F One USA, so I'm lucky to have so many great horses and great owners.2

Devos finished seventh today with Claire Z after registering eight faults in the jump-off.

It left him on 283 points overall, with Maher on 301.

Germany's Daniel Deusser began the day third in the leaderboard on 259 points and had an outside chance of triumphing overall, but finished in 12th place.

He ended third in the standings on a tally of 267.

Marcus Ehning of Germany was second on the day, going double clear with a jump-off time of 34.65 on board Cornado NRW.

Martin Fuchs of Switzerland, riding The Sinner, went double clear in a jump-off time of 34.95 for bronze.

The season is now now conclude with the Super Grand Prix in Prague, between November 21 and 24.