Forty-six horse and rider combinations took part and it was home favourite Pieter Kenis on the nine-year-old Gravin van HD who clocked the fastest time for victory.

Kenis had already won competitions in Zandhoven and Lichtenvoorde this year and finished the year in fine style.

Second place went to another Belgian, the country's reigning champion, Thibault Philippaerts, who rode eight-year-old Cristallina v. Janshof Z.

Jeroen De Winter and Va-Vite did enough to claim third place, with Julie De Pelsmaeker fourth and Emilie Conter completing the top five.

Before the action took place in the 1.50 metre competition, Ludo Philippaerts received a "sports personality of the year" prize.

The father of Thilbault announced his retirement from the sport in April after a career which included seven World Cup victories and a European Championships silver medal in Arnhem in 2001.

The next leg of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Jumping World Cup will take place in Mechelen on December 30.