Thibault Philippaerts (Derby de Riverland) claimed silver at the European Championship for Young Riders in Oliva last Sunday. It was Thibeau Spits (Classic Touch DH) who took home gold. It’s Thibault’s second medal at the championships. On Friday, the Belgian Young Riders already won as a team.
Belgian has a lot of potential to offer, with gold for the Belgian Juniors and Young Riders now in Oliva, but also earlier for the Seniors in Falsterbö. Also individually, Thibeau and Thibault made up a Belgium stage, and those are just a few out of the great results from our Belgian riders in the past few days.
Two weeks ago Nicola (Katanga v/h Dingeshof) finished third in the Grand Prix in Aachen, and in the very same weekend Olivier also finished third in the Longines Global Champions Tour in Monaco and won the Global Champions League with his Stockholm Hearts team mate. And now Thibault brings home gold and silver from the European Championships. “We knew we had a strong team, but that does not always mean that you’ll win. Actually, we didn’t believe we had a chance to win, but then the competition made a mistake and the golden medal became ours.”, says Thibault. “We were so excited, this is a very strong team performance.”
On Sunday, Thibault could climb up the stage once again, “Before the start, I was ranked fifth, with some very good riders before me”, explains Thibault. “Actually, I came back from a lost position. Thibeau Spits was the favorite and he proved he deserved that position. However, I’m very happy with and proud on our second place. My horse Derby de Riverland jumped amazing the past few days, he did an amazing job. ”
Everywhere where the Belgian youth gets to start, they bring home the medals. “The Belgian Youth is just very talented and they got good horses. On the other hand, the coaching and setting are very professional as well. Our results are proof of that”, concludes Thibault.
