PIGGY French claimed her maiden CCI*** victory after emerging triumphant in a thrilling finale at Blenheim Palace yesterday.

Although her overnight cross-country leader, Lemington Lett Dance, was forced to withdraw through injury, French held her nerve to win on DHI Topper W.

The 11-year-old bay gelding by Optimaal, winner of the Olympic test event at Greenwich in July, knocked only one fence in the final jumping phase to secure French victory over rising American star Tiana Coudray, on Ringwood Magister, with Germany’s Bettina Hoy third on Lanfranco.

“We have always thought very highly of Topper – Greenwich 2012 now feels a very distinct possibility,” French said.

“He is definitely a horse for the future. The four faults was my fault as I was so nervous.

“Winning a CCI*** was the big aim this year and it feels such a relief to have achieved it.”

Tiana Coudray picked up the Ariat and Océ prizes for best Blenheim debutant and under 25 rider after a fantastic clear round on Ringwood Magister.

The other big event of the afternoon was the London 2012 team qualifier between New Zealand, Japan and Australia.

The Kiwis, who are already qualified for the 2012 Olympics thanks to their bronze medal at the World Equestrian Games last year, came out on top, but it was the Japanese team who were celebrating securing the precious Olympic qualification.

Their best-placed rider, Kenki Sati, 16th in the CCI*** on Chippieh, said: “It’s a miracle. This is a dream come true for our country, and for my family, to qualify for the Olympics.

The Australians, already vulnerable after Lucinda Fredericks’s cross-country fall the day before, were eliminated after Brook Staples suffered two refusals in the show jumping.