The Dutchman beat Australian rival Boyd Exell to claim maximum points at the first of eight events which will be held during the driving campaign.

His victory at the  Schleyer Halle came thanks to his quickest time in the second round of competition, which sees the top three drivers from round one start from scratch.

Chardon clocked 97.61sec as Exell only managed 111.41 on the time-sheets.

Germany's wildcard driver claimed third place on home soil, clocking 130.45.

The win for Chardon came after he used a new horse in the left lead of his team, the 10-year-old piebald gelding Casper.

"I have had this horse for two years and I normally use him in my riding school," he said.

"I started to use him in a few small indoor competitions and he did very well, so I decided to use him in Stuttgart."

The next leg of the season is due to take place in Swedish capital Stockholm on November 27.

"I wanted to stay tight to the elements and I forgot to think ahead, this was a driver mistake," said Exell.

"I did cut every edge though and I am very pleased with my horses, they form a very good team."