The 1.55m high course of 'The Santa Stakes' invited only seven of the 30 combinations at the start back for the jump-off, where in the end it was Olivier Philippaerts who won!
One half of the Philippaerts twins, Olivier is making his international debut in London with Cristel. The Diamant de Semilly daughter came under the saddle of younger Thibault Philippaerts in October, who passed the reins to Nicola last week who started her in Geneva.
Kim Emmen counted on her Olympic companion, Imagine. With the 11-year-old KWPN horse by Cassini Gold, bred by Conny Viscaal, the Dutch rider crossed the finish line one and a half seconds later and finished second. A clear shortened course earned Tim Gredley the bronze. The local rider counted on the 12-year-old Der Senate offspring, Medoc de Toxandria (F. Werner Dierckx).
Fourth place also stayed on home soil, as Oliver Fletcher rode clear with Cajus 42 (Comme il Faut). The top five was complete with Darragh Kenny aboard Chaccossini (Chacco-Blue).
