The CSI3* $35,000 1.45m Horseware® Ireland Jumper Stake saw Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) and Inouk P prevail over a field of 38 entries on Friday afternoon at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), stopping the short-course timers at 36.934 seconds to claim top honors. Second place went to Sydney Shulman (USA) aboard Wamira, a 2003 Dutch Warmblood mare (Oklund x Kamira) owned by Jill Shulman, posting a jump-off time of 37.234, while Shawn Casady (USA) and Wyndmont Inc.'s Zephyr, a 2004 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Landor S x Tobelia) secured third after their 37.48 second short course time.

Philippaerts and the 2008 Belgian Warmblood mare (Thunder Van De Zuuthoeve x Donna) owned by Ludo Philippaerts, are a relatively new pairing, he explained. "I actually haven't had her that long. This is only the fourth show I'm riding her in now. We've actually had her for a long time, but it was always an owner that was riding her. I think she looked very good today and hopefully she can still do a few good things in the tour I'm having in the States," he commented.

The course, set by Anthony D'Ambrosio (USA), was a good one to test the 38 entries, said Philippaerts. "I think the six walked a little longer to the double for the first round, and so I did seven, but for the rest it walked how it was standing. It was a good course." Sixteen pairs returned to test the short course and nine finished the day double clear.

"I think Inouk P jumped really well in the first round, better than yesterday," Philippaerts elaborated. "There were quite a lot clear, and I had to go a bit in the beginning [of the jump-off], so I tried to go as fast as I could. In the end, she was fast enough. I was lucky that a few had one rail down in the jump-off, because they were quicker, but she jumped well and I'm happy for today."

Philippaerts will not be riding Inouk P in tomorrow's highlight class, but will instead call upon 2006 Zangersheide gelding (Accardi x Corrado I) Aikido Z, owned by Stal Bijloos Bvb. "He was third in the big class last week on Sunday, and I've actually been saving him a little bit so he can jump tomorrow in the Grand Prix."  

Despite his busy schedule including competitions around the world, Philippaerts explained that he made sure to spend some extra time in Tryon this year. "This is my last week in Tryon, and then next I go to Kentucky, and then after that Toronto, and then I fly back home for Stuttgart. I came here for the first time last year, but I only did the five-star, so it was good in the plan to come for three weeks this year," he concluded.  

Source: Press release from Tryon International Equestrian Center // Picture © Sportfot