Bond was unable to watch her rivals in a five-horse jump off before entering the American arena aboard eight-year-old Donatello, but galloped home to claim top spot in 38.82 sec.

Bond and "Donnie" were much quicker than their rivals as they took the top prize in the $100,000 (£77,200/€89,800) CSI3*-W event.

"My mentality these days is just to go do what I feel is right for me and my horse in the moment," said a delighted Bond.

"Tonight, I just felt a little bit more confident."

Denmark's Nikolaj Hein Ruus was the only other rider to claim a double-clear round atop Cadillac, placing second in 43.27.

Third place went to American Keri Potter and Ariell la Sirene on their World Cup debut, finishing with four faults in 44.58.

Donnie's appearance in Del Mar was just a second in the World Cup, having debuted in the North American League season opener in Vancouver.

"As a seven-year-old, he really developed quickly," Bond added.

"Then this year, everything I ask of him - it might take him a round or two to figure it out, but once he does, he logs it into his computer, and then he makes my job easy."

A third top-five finish of the season saw American Karl Cook retain his lead in the west coast sub league standings of the North American League on 49 points.

Bond climbed to second place on 31 points, with Zazou Hoffman from the United States third on 26 points.

The North American League continues in Washington DC on Saturday (October 26).