Ocala, FL – It was Nicola Philippaerts of Belgium who claimed victory in the $63,000 Lugano Grand Prix Qualifier CSIO5*-LLN on opening day of the Longines League of Nations™ Ocala event at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) on Wednesday, March 19, in Ocala, FL.
Ocala serves as the second stop on the prestigious Longines League of Nations™ series and is the only event held in North America. Abu Dhabi (UAE), Ocala (USA), Rotterdam (NED), and Gassin – St. Tropez (FRA) comprise the Longines League of Nations™ series before the final takes place in Barcelona (ESP) from October 2 to 5, 2025.
Forty-four athletes entered the $63,000 Lugano Grand Prix Qualifier CSIO5*-LLN, which was held in a single-round format with the fastest time winning. Competing in the second half of the order, Philippaerts moved into the lead with a time of 64.08 seconds riding Derby de Riverland, a 12-year-old bay Selle Français gelding (Kannan x l’Arc de Triomphe) owned by Team Philippaerts in partnership with Pierre Cimolai.
Two horses later, Philippaerts would face his greatest challenge from American Kent Farrington, currently number two in the Longines World Rankings. Riding Myla, a 10-year-old bay Holsteiner mare (Crunch 3 x Quadros) for owner Haity McNerney, Farrington was efficient with a time of 66.63 seconds but failed to put Philippaerts’ lead in jeopardy.
With Philippaerts taking the win and Farrington finishing runner-up, Ireland’s Daniel Coyle rounded out the top three aboard Quintin, owned by Ariel Grange. Coyle and the 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Quaprice Bois Margot x Emilion) crossed the timers in 66.99 seconds after leaving all the rails in place over the track set by Irish course designer Alan Wade in the WEC Grand Arena.
“It was a pretty fast class, and mine is a very good speed horse,” said Philippaerts of Derby de Riverland, who was formerly competed by his younger brother, Thibault. “It was a bit my luck that everything turned out well, and the turns worked out. ‘Derby’ is a real fighter in the ring. He’s very careful. He always tries to make an effort in the best way possible. I think he likes North America. He’s always having good results over here.”
Philippaerts traveled to Ocala for the inaugural Longines League of Nations™ event last year and returns as a member of the Belgian team alongside Niels Bruynseels, Emilie Conter, and Thibeau Spits.
“This is the second time here for me,” said the 31-year-old. “I was here last year for the Nations Cup, and I really like it here. The facility is amazing. There are a lot of places to ride the horses, and the horses like the ring as well, so I’m happy to be back. I think we have a very good team, so hopefully everything works out on Saturday.”
Six of the top 10 athletes in the Longines World Rankings have made the trip to Ocala, including world number one, Henrik von Eckermann. He will ride for Sweden in the Longines League of Nations™ event on Saturday when they face off against Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United States in the two-round $770,000 Longines League of Nations™ team competition. Lillie Keenan, Laura Kraut, Aaron Vale, and McLain Ward will represent the home side.
Competition at WEC – Ocala continues Thursday, March 20, highlighted by the $350,000 Lugano Grand Prix CSIO5*-LLN beginning at 7:30pm.
Select tickets remain at wec.net/lln for Thursday’s $350,000 Lugano Grand Prix CSIO5*-LLN and Saturday’s Longines League of Nations™ Team Competition, as the world’s top 10 Jumping nations take center stage at WEC – Ocala.
Live streaming of competition from World Equestrian Center – Ocala is available throughout the week on ClipMyHorse.tv. Fans can also relive the excitement of the Longines League of Nations™ Ocala on CBS Sports Network on Thursday, March 27, from 8pm to 10pm.
Orders of go, live scoring, course maps, and results are available at Longines Timing.
Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.
Videos available at ClipMyHorse.TV
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