Ocala, FL – Hot off a victory in Wednesday’s Lugano Grand Prix Qualifier, Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) and Derby de Riverland returned to the winner’s circle following the $120,000 Winning Round CSIO5*-LLN at the Longines League of Nations™ Ocala at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) on Friday, March 21, in Ocala, FL.
The Winning Round format sees the top 10 athletes advance to an all-deciding second round. With 18 members of the original 44-horse starting field producing clear rounds over the track set by Irish course designer Alan Wade, the top 10 were decided based on time. Those returning came back on a blank slate, with only their performance in the second round used to determine the final standings.
Returning eighth in the order, Philippaerts once again demonstrated Derby de Riverland’s impressive foot speed as the pair galloped around the WEC Grand Arena, slicing every turn. The pair’s time of 38.73 seconds moved them into the lead with only two challengers still to come. When Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard dropped a rail with Gakhir, Janika Sprunger was the only rider standing between Philippaerts and victory. The Swiss Olympian gave it her best effort riding Tullogher Lady Liberty, but their time of 39.79 left them a full second behind Philippaerts. It was still good enough to finish runner-up while Marc Dilasser of France took third with a time of 39.98 seconds riding Arioto du Gevres.
Former Olympic champion Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil had been the first rider to repeat his faultless first-round performance with Major Tom, a horse he owns in partnership with Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC. Their time of 41.77 seconds held up for fourth place. Mathijs van Asten, who will make his nations’ cup debut riding for The Netherlands in the Longines League of Nations™ Ocala, rounded out the top five with a time of 42.25 seconds aboard Vedet DK Z.
For the second time in three days, victory went to Philippaerts and 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.
“He’s in amazing form here this week,” said Philippaerts of ‘Derby.’ “He really likes it here in Ocala. My horse is naturally pretty quick, so I always try to keep the pace up for the first round, and he jumps a little bit better. I had a good position for the second round, so I could see a little bit of what the others were doing and make a plan for the jump-off. I was a little long off the last jump, but he carried me over, and I was very happy to win with him again.
“It means a lot for me,” continued Philippaerts in reference to his second win of the week with the horse his younger brother, Thibault, rode to team gold and individual silver medals at the 2002 European Young Rider Championship. “He’s a great horse. He’s been in incredible form this week, and it’s always nice to be able to compete and to go for the victory. I think he really showed again today that he’s very fast, and he’s so clever. I’m very happy that I’m able to ride him.”
Competition at WEC has been building toward the main event, the $770,000 Longines League of Nations™ Ocala on Saturday, March 22. The first round begins at 4:30pm with 10 teams competing. The top eight teams will then return for the second round at 7:30pm but with a twist – only three riders will compete for each team, and every score will count! Without the luxury of a drop score, team tactics will be of ultimate importance, and chefs d’equipe will face tough decisions as they strive for victory.
Ireland emerged victorious in the inaugural Longines League of Nations™ Ocala last year and has already won the opening leg of the 2025 season in Abu Dhabi (UAE). The U.S. team of Lillie Keenan, Laura Kraut, Aaron Vale, and McLain Ward will be looking to take the title on home soil but are up against some of the sport’s biggest powerhouses in Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Ocala is 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.
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 8 to 10pm.
Orders of go, live scoring, course maps, and results are available at Longines Timing.
For additional competition information, visit www.weclonginesleagueofnations.com.