Mike Kawai won the 1.45m class at the Global Champions Tour event in Saint Tropez ©Getty Images

Japan’s Mike Kawai claimed his first five-star victory over 1.45 metres when he came out on top on the second day of the Global Champions Tour leg in Saint Tropez in France.

Kawai, riding Star, produced a stunning display to win in 61.26secs - as he finished more than two seconds ahead of his rivals.

The battle for second place proved much tighter with Ireland’s Michael G Duffy, on board My Way B. & V, taking it with 63.15.

Dutch rider Johnny Pals, mounting Cukuta, secured the final spot on the podium with 63.71.

"I am so happy," said Kawai.

"I have worked so hard over the last few year since I came to Europe.

"Star has everything you want in a horse, she tried really hard for me today."

There were only seven clear rounds as riders raced against the time in the hope of landing top spot.


The first of those was produced by Chilean Agustin Covarrubias who clocked 66.63 on board Larbraker.

But his time at the top did not last long as Duffy flew into the lead riding Charco as the combination finished in 65.66.

The pace was challenged when Duffy got notched an even faster time with My Way B. & V as they registered 63.15.

They could not have cut the corners any tighter but had to settle for second place overall.

Pals was set to take over as the new leader but he couldn't quite match the pace of Duffy and finished in third slot.

Frenchman Julien Epaillard, winner of yesterday’s race, is known for his speed class wins but it was not meant to be as he knocked two fences down to rule him out of contention.

Kawai and Star then recorded the only sub-62 seconds round after leaving all the fences up to secure the title.

Competition is due to conclude tomorrow with the 1.55/1.60m class.