The opening class of the CSIO5* at the Brussels Masters could not have started better for the home crowd. Jérôme Guery immediately proved why he was here by taking the victory with Great Britain V (Nabab de Rêve). With compatriots Mike van Olst, Niels Bruynseels and Olivier Philippaerts also in the top ten, the first five-star competition had a distinctly Belgian flavour.
It was Jérôme Guery who galloped through both phases fastest and without faults with Great Britain V. His time of 35.20 seconds proved unbeatable. With this, he gave the home crowd a dream start to the five-star competition. Brazilian Stephan de Freitas Barcha followed in second place with Dirka Imperio Egipcio (Very Berlin de Castel) in 35.51 seconds. Third place went to Irishman Trevor Breen, who stopped the clock at 36.32 seconds with Konrad Obolensky (Cornet Obolensky).
Other Belgian riders also made their mark right away. Mike van Olst rode Comme Elle Faut Odth Z (Comme Il Faut 5) to a strong clear round that earned him fifth place in 36.90 seconds. Just a fraction behind him was Kendra Claricia Brinkop in fourth place. In the saddle of Replay Van 'T Paradijs (Bamako De Muze), she rode a clear round in 36.65 seconds, good for fourth place.
Shortly afterwards, Niels Bruynseels followed, finishing seventh with Devidanga Sw Z (Dominator Z) in 37.41 seconds. Olivier Philippaerts added another Belgian top ranking: with Nobel van de Vrombautshoeve Z (Nabab de Rêve), he finished tenth in 38.47 seconds.
