Michael Whitaker made the trip to Hong Kong a lucrative one by winning €106,000 (£91,100) in the Longines Masters Grand Prix on Saturday
In the first round 27 competitors, from 12 nations jumped the 1.6m course.
Fifteen went clear to compete in the second round and French rider Patrice Delaveau, on Lacrimoso 3 HDC, was the fastest, to win this CSI***** in just 43.06sec.
Close behind were Michael and his 11-year-old chestnut gelding Viking V, who completed in 48.56sec.
Patrice’s countryman, Kevin Staut, was third aboard his young horse, Estoy Aqui de Muze.
Michael paid homage to Delaveau, who won four of the six competitions held during the inaugural Hong Kong Masters (28 February-2 March).
“It is incredible what he has done over the past three days. I just wish he could have been here next week instead,” said Michael.
