The home rider was the overnight leader following the cross-country stage yesterday and ended up sealing success by a comfortable margin at the second leg of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Classics season in Adelaide.

Before her run Shannon knew that she could have knocked down three rails and still won, but Clifford did better than that with the thoroughbred going clear.

The duo only added 0.4 in cross-country time penalties to their dressage score on day one and won overall on a tally of 52.50.

"That’s Clifford to a tee," said 24-year-old Shannon.

"He is not extravagant in any phase - he just does his job and I can’t ask for more than that. 

"There is a huge amount of training that has gone into Clifford, but his temperament is such that he allows you to train him. 

"It is not just about raw talent, it is the heart and the mind of the horse that matters and this was just another day at the office for Clifford. 

"He keeps trying and trying, and getting better and better."

The overnight 1-2-3 remained the same with Australia clean-sweeping the podium at Victoria Park.

Will Enzinger and Wenlock Aquifer held on to second place despite knocking three rails down, finishing on 67.00.

Third place went to Andrew Cooper and Evergem Perfection, who knocked down two rails to end on 67.70.

Enzinger also came fourth, riding Britannica MVNZ to a score of 71.80.

The next leg of the FEI Classics season will be the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, taking place between April 27 and 30.

The Classics series unites the world's four-star rated three day evening competitions.