Nicola Philippaerts and Derby de Riverland won the $120,000 Winning Round CSIO5* at the Longines League of Nations Ocala at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. The top 10 athletes advanced to an all-deciding second round, with Philippaerts demonstrating impressive foot speed and taking the lead with a time of 38.73 seconds. Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard and Swiss Olympian Janika Sprunger finished as runner-up and third, respectively.
Former Olympic champion Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil and Mathijs van Asten of The Netherlands also placed in the top five. Philippaerts expressed his happiness with Derby de Riverland’s performance, noting the horse’s speed and cleverness. This was Philippaerts’ second win of the week with Derby de Riverland, a horse that has been in incredible form and has shown great speed throughout the competition.
Philippaerts reflected on the significance of his win, mentioning that Derby de Riverland is a great horse that has been in incredible form. He expressed his happiness at being able to compete and go for the victory with such a talented horse. Philippaerts praised Derby de Riverland’s speed and cleverness, emphasizing his satisfaction with being able to ride him and achieve success in the competition.
