France's Julien Epaillard won the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha at the Al Shaqab equestrian venue ©Getty Images

France's Julien Epaillard held off a strong challenge from Great Britain's Ben Maher to win the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Grand Prix of Doha at the Al Shaqab equestrian venue.

Epaillard, riding Usual Suspect d'Auge, prevailed in the jump-off with a time of 40.11sec.

He was closely followed by reigning LGCT champion Maher, who clocked 40.55 on Explosion W.

Completing the top three was Belgium's Nicola Philippaerts after she posted 43.43 on H&M Chilli Willi.

The Netherlands' Frank Schuttert ranked fourth, while Italy's Alberto Zorzi came fifth.

Great Britain's Ben Maher had to settle for second place ©Getty Images
Great Britain's Ben Maher had to settle for second place ©Getty Images

Both riders finished with four penalties.

The event in Qatar's capital was rated to be a Concours de Saut International 5*.

It marked the start of the 14th edition of the LGCT.

In the opening stage of the 16-team Global Champions League, Shanghai Swans' Daniel Deusser and Pius Schwizer tasted victory.

Valkenswaard United were the runners-up with New York Empire third.