Nicola Philippaerts fifth in tough Rolex Grand Prix of Spruce Meadows Nicola Philippaerts and Katanga van het Dingeshof finished fifth on Sunday in the Rolex Grand Prix of Spruce Meadows. After a clear first round, twelve combinations returned for a very difficult second round, where not a single rider managed to stay clear. Olivier Philippaerts and Just Him finished 23rd, while Thibault Philippaerts and Lyandro placed 31st. On Saturday, Belgium, with three Philippaerts brothers in the team, finished fifth in the Nations Cup. It was the very first time that three brothers competed together in the same team. The entire Philippaerts family travelled to Calgary last week to take part in what is seen as the “holy week” of equestrian sport in Canada. Thibault Philippaerts made his mark with two third places, but the main focus was on the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday. In 2012, father Ludo and son Olivier wrote history here by finishing first and third. Nicola Philippaerts had saved Katanga for the Grand Prix on Sunday. The pair jumped an excellent first round, joining ten other combinations with a clear. In the second round, two poles fell, and Nicola and Katanga ended in a strong fifth place. “Katanga jumped really well in the first round. In the second, I went a bit too fast into the first combination, which caused one pole down. The second mistake came towards the end of the course, on a very difficult part where many combinations had problems. It was a very heavy course. The fact that no one managed a clear in the second round says enough. The Nations Cup on Saturday was very special. The first time riding in the same team with my brothers is a memory to keep. And with fifth place in the Grand Prix, I think we did well,” said Nicola Philippaerts. For Thibault Philippaerts, this was his third time in Spruce Meadows. With two third places in side classes, he showed strong form. On Saturday and Sunday, he made his debut in the bigger competitions. “These fences are still a bit higher and wider than what you are used to. But overall, I am very happy with my week and with the way my horses performed. The Nations Cup on Saturday was very special, because it was the first time together with my brothers. My first round was not so good, but in the second I stayed clear, and that gave me a very good feeling. Looking at the whole week, I think we all performed well here,” said Thibault Philippaerts. Two weeks ago, Olivier Philippaerts and Just Him made their debut with a 10th place in the Grand Prix of Valkenswaard. The new horse immediately joined the trip to Spruce Meadows and again showed his qualities. “Besides the result, I am especially happy with what we managed to build together in such a short time. Just Him has potential and can grow even
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