In the Two-Phase class, De Menezes and the 16-year-old BWP gelding finished just under the time of Nicola Philippaerts and his trusted Derby de Riverland (Kannan x L'Arc de Triomphe). Olympic champion Ben Maher completed the top three in the saddle of Maddox vh Haringvliet Z (Monte Bellini).

"It’s going to be an exciting week," Nicola Philippaerts said afterwards. "I’ve been coming here for 6 years in a row now, and the CSI5* week is always a challenge because the level is so high. I will likely start Katanga vh Dingeshof in the Grand Prix on Saturday!"

Tomorrow, the five-star action will take place on the grass in Wellington. "I really enjoy riding on grass; you can feel that it’s different for the horses. In my case, the horses develop a more open canter. It’s as if they enjoy it more too!"

Just off the podium, Tanner Korotkin finished in fourth place with Cardozo 4 (Colestus). The top five was rounded off by a clear round from Nicole Walker and Atout des Trambles (Nectar des Forets*Hn).

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