For the first time in 44 years it was team Belgium who jumped to victory in the Spruce Meadows Nations Cup. Just back from winning the European Gold Medal, team Belgium impressed on Canadian soil. “I think we’re all very pleased,” said rider Olivier Philippaerts.
“Belgium had a tremendous year all around. We come to Spruce Meadows with four different riders and four different horses and we can win again after the Europeans, I think it’s something special. I think Belgium has had a very, very good year and for the next few years, hopefully we can keep winning.
“We didn’t steal it; we really owned it today and it’s always nice to win like that.”
Nephews Olivier Philippaerts and Pieter Clemens were the only ones in team Belgium to produce a double clear.
“This is the first time we won a Nations’ Cup together,” explained Philippaerts, “and to be the only double clears, within the family, it’s something to be proud of.”