EQUESTRIAN - EVENTING: Shane Rose has won the Melbourne International Horse Trials title aboard a horse which he says could take him to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Rose was sitting in third place heading into the show jumping phase on the final day's competition on Monday at Werribee Park.

An injury to Stuart Tinney's mount Pluto Mio forced the overnight leader to withdraw and a clear round to Rose and his thoroughbred Shanghai Joe gave them a score of 52.40.

That was good enough to claim victory ahead of Sonja Johnson and her chestnut Parkiarrup Illicit Liaison, who combined to knock down two poles and finish with a score of 54.20.

Johnson also finished in third place aboard her second horse Belfast Mojito.

Rose, who on a silver medal for eventing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was ecstatic with the performance of his young horse which he bred at his NSW property.

"I guess it's like one of your kids doing well at school," he said.

"He's a good little horse. From the first time we took him out he was amazing.

"He's got a great attitude. For a seven year old to come here and beat the other horses in this field is pretty good. I didn't expect it really."

Rose is in contention for Australia's three-day event team for the World Equestrian Games in August with his squad-listed horse CP Qualified.

Rose believes his winning mount from Melbourne also has the potential to go all the way.

"He's headed towards Rio if he can hold it together and beat the other horses that I've got," he said.

"He has an amazing temperament and he just gets better and better," he said.

AAP