Olivier Robert overcame Scott Brash in a two-way jump-off in Madrid ©Getty Images

France’s Olivier Robert held his nerve in a two-way jump-off to secure his first Global Champions Tour (GCT) Grand Prix victory in Spanish capital Madrid.

It was a memorable win for Robert who overcame 12-time GCT Grand Prix winner Scott Brash of Britain in a thrilling finale at the five-star event.

Brash, on board Hello Jefferson, was the first to go in the jump-off as he laid down the gauntlet, going clear with a time of 39.26sec.

The pressure was on Robert, but the Frenchman, riding Vivaldi des Meneaux, responded.

With the crowd behind him, Robert produced a stunning ride to claim a clear victory in a time of 36.74.

"I love to come to Madrid so much," said Robert.

"I am always second, I've never won a five-star Grand Prix before and today it was a tough one against one of my favourite riders Scott Brash, I am so happy it is such a fantastic day for me and my team.

"I think I was able to do it, as Scott was fast but not as fast as usual.

"We haven’t seen people for over a year and a half so it is fantastic to win today."

A total of 34 riders entered the first round and it was the open water section which caused the most problems.

Belgian Constant van Paesschen fell off Isidoor van de Helle, while Ireland’s Billy Twomey, riding Lady Lou, and Mike Kawai, on board Celvin, had refusals.

Britain’s Ben Maher also suffered a surprising elimination at the water after Madame X decided she did not want to play ball.  

Penultimate rider Darragh Kenny, on board VDL Cartello, looked like he was going clear until the final fence came crashing down, costing him a spot in the jump-off.

But it was enough to earn the Irishman a podium place.

Rankings leader Niels Bruynseels of Belgium did not qualify for the event, costing him seven placings in the overall standings as he fell to eighth place with 40 points.

Brash now leads the way on 68 points with Bart Bles of The Netherlands and Robert in hot pursuit on 63 and 60 points respectively.

Shanghai Swans won the Global Champions League event in Madrid, with Germany's Christian Ahlmann and Austria's Max Kühner riding them to victory.

Madrid in Motion came second and Valkenswaard United third.

The Shanghai-aligned team lead the overall standings.

Saint-Tropez in France is scheduled to stage the third leg of the season from May 27 to 29.