On a technical course which provided a high degree of difficulty for the riders, Gonzalez, on board Chacna, went clear in the jump off in 40.93 seconds to top the podium ahead of Eric Navet of Germany and Brazil’s Eduardo Menezes.

Navet, riding Catypso, was second with a time of 43.15sec, while third place went to Menezes and horse Catalina.

Menezes knocked off a fence during his jump-off effort for eight penalty points, with Navet going clear in a slower time than the winner.

Gonzalez produced his best display at the right time as he delivered a rare clear first round performance before going clear again in the jump-off round.

"My mare has a big stride and I’ve been working with her for the last month in making her stride shorter and more compact so this was a big question," the 52-year-old Mexican said.

"But I know her very well now, and I was sure she was capable of doing it.

"When you make a decision like that, you have to have the partnership with your horse and really know and trust you can do it - there can be no doubt that you can do it."

The result for Gonzalez saw him move into fourth place on the Western Sub-League of the North American League standings.

He currently sits behind Nayel Massar of Egypt, with American Karl Cook occupying first position in front of Menezes.

The Mexican believes the performance of his horse in California bodes well for the rest of the season and is confident they can reach the FEI World Cup Jumping finals.

"I think Chacna likes jumping indoors, and she’s definitely a contender for FEI World Cup Finals," he said.

"By the time it comes in April, if we are lucky to make the points, she will have the mileage and experience to do it."