The new Indoor Belgian Champion has just been crowned during the evening session at Jumping Mechelen. The competition, held over 1.45m, resulted in an extremely exciting jump-off where Nicola Philippaerts ultimately claimed the victory. It was a convincingly Belgian jump-off, as 13 of the 15 horses were bred domestically.
A beaming Philippaerts said afterwards: "Starting Jumping Mechelen with a win on the first day? That really motivates you for the rest of the week. I think my horse jumped fantastically; he is also only eight years old. Being national champion is very special regardless, because everyone tries to compete and win here. And winning in Mechelen is always superb. As a home base, with all that atmosphere and your own audience, you really want to put your best foot forward. And hopefully, we succeeded in that."
Gilles Thomas followed in second place in the saddle of the BWP mare Qiara De Kalvarie (Sea Coast Don't Touch Tiji Hero) after also finishing with zero penalties in a jump-off time of 39.85 seconds. He clocked a lightning-fast 71.81 seconds in his initial round.
Gilles Thomas & Qiara De Kalvarie - © Houou Tomita
Leonie Peeters completed the podium by riding a clear jump-off and initial round with the Zangersheide mare Tinkoucha Hero Z (Tinka's Boy) in 40.39 seconds and 73.55 seconds respectively.
Leonie Peeters & Tinkoucha Hero Z - © Houou Tomita
Just missing out on the podium was defending champion Jeroen Appelen, finishing fourth with Dancing Wolf O.L. (Mylord Carthago) after another clear jump-off in 40.41 seconds, following an initial round of 73.99 seconds.
Evelyne Putters completed the top five with the Zangersheide mare Pivoine de La Pomme Z (Montebello La Silla), also clear in the jump-off with a time of 40.85 seconds and a strong 73.70 seconds in the initial round.
