Harrie Smolders claimed victory in a jump-off ©FEI/Twitter

Harrie Smolders held his nerve in a seven-rider jump-off to win the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) World Cup Western European League Jumping round today in Mechelen.

Riding Zinius, the Dutchman produced a superb performance to complete a clear final round in a time of 38.19sec in the Nekkerhal Arena.

It proved enough for him to triumph over Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden, who rode Mary Lou 194 into second place in 38.74.

Lorenzo de Luca of Italy and mount Halifax van het Kluizebos were the only other pairing to break the 40 second barrier.

They completed the jump-off in 39.97 to seal third place.

Daniel Deusser of Germany and Cornet D'Amour had to settle for fourth place in 40.51, despite having posted the swiftest time of the initial round.

The result completed a successful year for Smolders during which he also won a individual silver medal at the European Championships in Gothenberg.