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Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts Wins $380,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* at
Tryon
In a thrilling finale that indeed came down to the very last rider, Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts claimed victory
in the highlight event of the Tryon International Equestrian Center’s second‐ever CSI5* in the $380,000 Rolex
Grand Prix on Saturday, October 21st aboard H&M Harley VD Bisschop.
The American lady riders’ command of this week’s five‐star class placings continued, with Jessica Springsteen
finishing in a close 2nd and Lauren Tisbo in 3rd —punctuating what almost became a female dominant jump
off.
“I think it was a really nice course. There were not so many clear as I actually thought there would be because
there were many good ones here competing tonight,” Philippaerts commented. “Unfortunately, Mclain
[Ward] and Kent [Farrington] and a few others had one down leaving only six in the jump‐off. I had the
advantage of going last, and I knew Jessica was very quick, so I had to go quick. I was lucky enough the last
rail stayed up.”
Contrary to the warmer weather present earlier in the week, cooler temperatures descended upon the
venue for the Saturday Night Lights event. As the sun set, the stands filled and a generous crowd gathered
wearing multiple clothing layers with warm coffee in‐hand, prepared for a brisk fall night of top equestrian
competition.