Edited press release from Longines Global Champions Tour

In front of a sold-out crowd in Mexico City, Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) secured his third ever Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix victory. The crowd erupted in applause as Nicola triumphantly crossed the finish line with H&M Luna van't Ruytershof (Levisto Z x For Pleasure) in a thrilling five-rider jump-off in the €327,000 Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Mexico City presented by GNP Seguros, ultimately securing his first LGCT Grand Prix win since 2018.

The LGCT Mexico City event, renowned for being a kaleidoscope of colour, its energetic vibe, and enthusiastic crowd, provided an experience for spectators and competitors alike. In a pulsating atmosphere, Nicola and Luna van't Ruytershof held their nerve to claim the top spot after clocking a time of 45.03 seconds. 

Luiz Felipe Cortizo Gonçalves De Azevedo Filho (BRA) and Sierra du Piedroux Z (Hunter's Scendix x Contefino) were the only other double clear, but was over three seconds slower than Nicola Philippaerts, to finish second. LGCT championship leader Eduardo Alvarez Aznar (ESP) and the 19-year-old Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot (L’arc de Triomphe x Apache d'Adriers) demonstrated their consistency once again by jumping clear in their third LGCT Grand Prix of the season, finishing third as the fastest on four faults in the jump-off. 

Extending his overall LGCT-lead Eduardo Alvarez Aznar now has a five-point advantage on Max Kühner (AUT) who sits second on 92 points. Simon Delestre (FRA) jumps up three places on 66 points as the race hots up heading to Shanghai for the fourth stage in a couple of weeks. 

Speaking to GCTV, Nicola paid tribute to his winning partner H&M Luna van't Ruytershof, and explained: “She has a heart of gold, she is a real lion when she gets in the ring… and it looks like she really likes Mexico City! She really deserves this win, and it’s a fantastic event here – Mexico City is one of my favourite shows and I am always happy to come back here.”

Picking up the third Golden Ticket to the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix for 2024 at the GC Playoffs in November, Nicola couldn’t hide his relief and said: “It means a lot, of course to be able to jump the LGCT Super Grand Prix is a real honour and I just can’t wait to compete there.”

“To be honest, my family behind me and all my team at home, it’s unbelievable what they mean to me, it’s a win for them of course, and without them I would never be here now,” Nicola said.

Overall LGCT-leader Eduardo Alvarez Aznar said: “I am very happy with the result here in Mexico City, my horse jumped amazingly. This year in the three Longines Global Champions Grand Prix’s, he has been three times in the top five, so that’s very impressive regularity from Rockefeller."

He added: "The championship is definitely going the right way so we keep going. The next show for me is going to be Madrid, a home show for us, so of course I will try my best there.”