The 40-year-old triumphed on board Toupie de la Roque at Olympia, winning in a jump-off which featured four horse and rider combinations.

All four of the pairings produced their second clear rounds of the day but it was Epaillard who managed the quickest time to succeed as he went round in 36.91sec.

He is the first French rider to win at Olympia for 32 years.

"I have been riding her since March," said Epaillard of his 10-year-old chestnut mare. 

"She comes from the Hecart family who are my neighbours and have been very good to me. 

"I'm really pleased that we are doing our best together."

Britain's Scott Brash was second on home soil, riding Ursula XII to a time of 37.34 in the jump-off.

Third went to Edwina Tops-Alexander and Inca Boy van T Vianahof who clocked 41.05 second time around for Australia. 

Sweden's Peder Fredricson was the fourth rider to contest the jump-off but he missed the podium with H&M Christian K after ending on 41.34.

Tops-Alexander has now moved to the top of the Western European League table, where she is tied with France's Kevin Staut on 50 points.

Riders are bidding to qualify for the World Cup Final in Paris next year.

The next World Cup leg will be in Mechelen in Belgium on December 30.