Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts impressed the crowds in the jump-off in Friday’s CSI5* 1.50/1.55m class at the Longines Global Champions Tour of London with the 11-year-old Aikido Z (Accardi x Corrado I).
Securing a beautiful and fast clear, Philippaerts finished in 39.13 seconds in the jump-off to take the win. “Today is my third show on this horse. He doesn’t look that quick – but he’s got a good canter. I am so happy that owners gave him to me to ride. He’s getting better and better!” said Philippaerts.
Denis Lynch (IRL) and All Star 5 (Argentinus x Alme) took the Big Ben inspired fence at a rapid pace which he maintained throughout the jump-off, despite a little buck into the Roman columns, he finished with a lovely clear and with a fast enough time to take him into an early lead with 39.61 seconds. Lynch finally secured a podium finish, taking second.
Christian Kukuk (GER) came out of the starting gate with one thing on his mind and the crowd loved his smooth round. However, it was not enough to beat Lynch and he finished in 39.84 aboard Limonchello NT (Lord Caletto x Calido I) to take third.
Earlier in the day. Harrie Smolders (NED) won the 1.45m two-phase class on Zinius (Nabab de Reve x Kannan), leaving home riders William Funnell to second and Laura Renwick to third.
Source: Press release from LGCT // Picture LGCT/Stefano Grasso