CSI5* premier victory for Olivier Philippaerts (BEL)!

The first of five world ranking jumping competitions at the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER has been decided! Forty-three distinguished competitors, including twice winner of GLOCK’s Grand Prix John Whitaker (GBR), Olympic winners, double world and double European champion Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED) and world number four Daniel Deusser (GER), contested victory in the CSI5* GLOCK’s Perfection Tour, with prize money totalling 25,000 euros. But for all participants here it wasn’t just about places; rather it was also about first qualification for the GLOCK’s CSI5* Grand Prix taking place on Sunday (30/08), with prize money amounting to 400,000 euros.

After two demanding rounds over 1.50 m, ultimately it wasn’t the old masters but rather riders from the ambitious, younger generation who came out top. Twenty-two-year-old Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) performed brilliantly in the saddle of his ten-year-old KWPN stallion H&M Armstrong van de Kapel, his two clear rounds securing his victory with a time of 40.59 seconds. “When I arrived yesterday, I thought ‘Wow, it’s beautiful here!’”, said the twice Junior European Champion and youngest winner of the CSIO5* Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows (USA/2012), who took part in the  World Equestrian Games in Caen (FRA) last year with the Belgian team. “For me it’s been one of the best events in which I’ve had the privilege to participate and my horse seems to be in good form. I’m looking forward to the rest of the weekend.” said the son of the famous show jumping rider Ludo Philippaerts.

Next in hot pursuit, recently qualified European champion team member Jur Vrieling (NED), riding his stallion Arezzo VDL, son of Chin Chin, who had to be content with a close second (0/40.91), whilst fellow EC-gold-team-member Maikel van der Vleuten (NED), in the saddle on VDL Groep Arera C, took third place in 41.76 seconds.

02 - CSI5* GLOCK’s Perfection Tour
Int. jumping competition over two rounds 1.50 m
Competition counts for the LONGINES Ranking list
1. H&M Armstrong van de Kapel - Philippaerts, Olivier (BEL) 0/40.59
2. Arezzo VDL - Vrieling, Jur (NED) 0/40.91
3. VDL Groep Arera C - van der Vleuten, Maikel (NED) 0/41.76
4. Ornellaia - Whitaker, John (GBR) 0/41.80
5. van Gogh - Kutscher, Marco (GER) 0/41.82
6. H&M Forever D Arco Ter Linden - Philippaerts, Nicola (BEL) 4/40.72
7. Catwalk IV - Whitaker, Robert (GBR) 4/49.31
8. Cylana - Kessler, Reed (USA) 8/44.14
9. First Class van Eeckelghem - Deusser, Daniel (GER) 8/55.60
10.Captain Chaos 8 - Modolo Zanotelli, Marlon (BRA) eliminated
11.Gotha FRH - von Eckermann, Henrik (SWE) not begun
12.Carambole N.O.P. - Greve, Willem (NED) 1/82.61
Link to results

With H&M Armstrong van de Kapel, Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) secured victory in the CSI5* GLOCK’s Perfection Tour. © Michael Rzepa

Team world and European champion Jur Vrieling (NED) had to concede the narrowest of defeats with Arezzo VDL in the CSI5* GLOCK’s Perfection Tour today. © Michael Rzepa

VDL Groep Arera C beneath Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) jumped to third place in the CSI5* GLOCK’s Perfection Tour. © Michael Rzepa

A beaming winner! Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) relishing his victory in the CSI5* GLOCK’s Perfection Tour. Franz-Peter Bockholt (Sports Director GHPC) offered congratulations. © GHPC / studiohorst