The six-time Olympic gold medallist was in superb form on board Emilio in the French city, ending on a score of 87.090 per cent at Eurexpo.

This was a personal best for Werth with Emilio, who were fifth last to go and scored big points for degree of difficulty.

A strong field assembled for the event, known as the Concours Hippique International.

Britain's triple Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin, the back-to-back individual champion at the Games, had to settle for second place with Mount St John Freestyle, scoring 83.925.

Dujardin followed Werth but could not overhaul the German.

Frederic Wandres of Germany, riding Duke of Britain, ended in third place with 80.015 per cent.