Jung was again in superb form as he sealed his place in the history books as the first German to win the prestigious event, part of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Classics series.

The 33-year-old, on board La Biosthetique Sam, produced a flawless jumping round to finish on a score of 34.4 penalties, nine clear of nearest challenger and compatriot Andreas Ostholt on So Is Et.

The triumph for the remarkable Jung saw him seal the Grand Slam after he had claimed victory at the events in Burghley in 2015 and Kentucky earlier this year, a feat which was last achieved by Britain’s Pippa Funnell back in 2003.

“I just like riding horses; it’s not only my job, it’s my hobby,” Jung, who is also the reigning world and European champion, said.

“Sam is more than just a good horse to me; we’re a special partnership.

“I need a bit of time for this to sink in, but it is a special moment for me, especially when you think of the history and tradition of Badminton and all the great riders who have won it before.

 “We [my family] agreed that we would treat this as a normal competition but now I can realise what it means.

“It’s not just for me, it’s a win for my whole team.”

The German one-two at the event at Badminton Park, considered the most celebrated three-day eventing Classic, was completed by Ostholt, who earned a career-best finish with second behind his dominant team-mate.

“It’s like a win for me,” the 23-year-old German said.

“My only expectation after two unlucky times at Badminton was to finish in a good way, so this is much more than I could have wished for.”

Ostholt ended on 43.4 penalties, while Britain’s Gemma Tattersall maintained her excellent displays at the competition by taking third on 44.6 penalties on Artic Soul.

Fourth went to New Zealand’s double Olympic gold medallist Mark Todd, riding Leonidas II, which came 36 years after he first won the Badminton Horse Trials in 1980.