The 27-year-old Swiss rider, currently ranked world number two, took the honours after a superb second round jump-off performance in the eighth leg of 2019/2020 Western European League, which qualifies to the World Cup Final in Las Vegas in April.

Fuchs, winner of the third leg of the World Cup series in Lyon last month riding Clooney, this time guided his 11-year-old gelding The Sinner to a clear round in 31.99sec in the tight confines of the Grand Hall.

A tough first round reduced the 37 entries to just six contenders competing against the clock.

Second to go, Fuchs took risks to set a super-fast target that proved beyond any subsequent competitor.

Only two rivals managed clear rounds - Max Kuhner of Austria, who saw Elektric Blue P into second place in 33.63, and Niels Bruynseels of Belgium, who guided Delux van T & L round in 34.64.

Germany’s Marcus Ehning, on Cornado NRW, was fourth in 32.17 with four faults, and home rider Scott Brash, the London 2012 team gold medallist, finished fifth on Hello Jefferson, timing at 33.21 with four faults.

Britain’s Holly Smith, on Hearts Destiny, was one place further back, registering eight penalties in a time of 34.30.

Six more legs of the 14 World Cup qualifying events remain this season, due to start with Mechelen in Belgium on December 30.

Riders can use their best seven results to seek progression.