The 49-year-old and his 12-year-old gelding Nip Tuck triumphed with a score of 84.669 points on a night when fellow Briton Charlotte Dujardin’s double Olympic individual champion Valegro retired in an emotional farewell ceremony.

Reigning FEI World Cup champions Hans Peter Minderhoud and Glock’s Flirt filled the runners-up spot on 81.880 points, while Dutch compatriot and 2010 champion Edward Gal was third with Glock’s Voice on 80.467.

A fourth-place finish for Judy Reynolds has promoted the 35-year-old Irishwoman to the top of the 2016-17 Western European League going into the next leg of the series in Amsterdam in February.

Reynolds and Vancouver K led the way after the judging break with a score of 78.269 points, but Hester moved the target up to 84.669 with another superb ride.

"This was the biggest atmosphere I’ve ever experienced at Olympia," said Hester.

"Barney (Nip Tuck) was a little on edge, but I’m really pleased that in that atmosphere he kept with me."

Hester is the man who created the partnership between Dujardin and Valegro, who together have become icons in the sport over the last five years.

Just a few months after adding to their Olympic gold medal haul in Rio de Janeiro, the 14-year-old horse was tonight officially retired from the sport after presenting a final performance of their London 2012 winning freestyle test.

"It has been a such a joyous occasion - I know everyone wanted it to be sad but how could anyone be sad to see Valegro go out so fit and well and happy - it’s been a happy sad day," said Hester.

Dujardin's partnership with Valegro has also seen her win two World Equestrian Games gold medals and three gold medals at various European Dressage Championships

She described the Dutch Warmblood gelding as "just the perfect horse, with the biggest heart in the world".

"He always gave me his very best," she added.

Fellow British Olympian Richard Davison said that it was "the alchemy" between Hester, Dujardin and Valegro that has been key to the success.