Nicola achieved a remarkable victory at the Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Mexico last night. Riding his horse, H&M Luna van't Ruytershof Z, he excelled in a critical jump-off against four other riders. By delivering a second flawless round, he managed to clinch the fastest time, finishing a significant 3 minutes and 48 seconds ahead of his closest competitor, Luiz Felipe Cortizo Gonçalves De Azevedo Filho, who came in second. This victory marks Philippaerts' third win at this prestigious event.
After his withdrawal from last week's GP of the Global Champions Tour in Miami, Nicola was determined to perform better in Mexico. He and H&M Luna van't Ruytershof Z initially finished fifth in the Global Champions League with Stockholm Hearts teammate Malin Baryard-Johnsson.
During the base course of the GP, Nicola and H&M Luna van’t Ruytershof Z completed a clean round. The audience was thrilled when they repeated this performance, producing another clear round during the jump-off. “Luna jumped fantastically. This was her debut in a Longines Champions Tour Grand Prix, and she won it straight away. She surprised me and everyone else. We were the fourth of five competitors in the jump-off. I had seen the other participants at work and wanted to play it safe. Luna, naturally very fast, had a different idea. She was outstanding, stayed clear for a second time, and was much faster than the other horses. She's an amazing horse, but once she starts a competition, she immediately changes and becomes focused. Luna truly deserves this victory. Mexico City is one of my favorite competitions. The atmosphere here is always excellent, and the spectators create a colorful spectacle. I have a feeling Luna also loves this competition,” smiles Nicola afterwards.
This win in Mexico is Nicola's third in the Global Champions Tour series. His previous victories date back to 2018, with wins in Estoril with H&M Harley v/d Bisschop, and in Chantilly H&M Chilli Willi. In September 2022, he also won the Belgian title with H&M Luna van't Ruytershof Z. In a previous interview, Nicola has spoken of Luna as a "horse of the future," a claim she certainly lived up to with last night's performance.
With this win, Nicola secures the third Golden Ticket, guaranteeing a spot at the electrifying Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix of 2024 during the November GC Playoffs.
