Jonathan Paget is flying high after winning the British Open Championship at Gatcombe Park in the UK this morning.
Aboard Clifton Lush, the 2013 Badminton winner added just four time faults to his dressage score of 37.3 to finish just ahead of Brit Oliver Townend and Andrew Nicholson's old rideArmada.
The 2011 champ Andrew Nicholson and Nereo, who were third after the showjumping, had an uncharacteristic stop at the water in the cross country so retired. Nicholson and Avebury were sixth after picking up 10.8 time faults on the cross country. Paget says the championship was one of his season targets.
"Lush's owners Lucy Allison and Frances Stead wanted to win here as well, so it is great to come here and do it . . . and even more special on such a great little horse like Clifton Lush," he said.
"He is a fantastic little horse and knows his job now. He was ready for this event and we were in the right place going into the cross country. I knew I had seven seconds to Andrew and about 15 to Ollie, and once Andrew had his unfortunate mishap I knew I could slow down a little, stop taking risks and cruise home."
The cross country proved more than just a little challenging for most, with just four making it home clear and inside time - fellow Kiwi Craig Nicolai and Just Ironic one of those.
"That cross country was very fast. I was flying and felt on the verge of out of control!"
Paget said the testing track, coupled with the terrain and strategically place fences, made for a tough discipline.
"This is the one day event champion of Britain, so is very prestigious. People come here with their good horses and try and win it - you win this and you are champion for the year . . . so it is a nice feeling," said Paget.
