Nicola Philippaerts takes WEF Challenge Cup win to start Olympic year
Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts’ main goal this year is the Paris Olympics with his star horse Katanga van het Dingeshof. Meantime he has upcoming prospects like Derby de Riverland with whom he won the $62,500 FEI 4-star WEF Challenge Cup, edging out Ireland’s Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue in an 11-strong jump off.
The pair joined forces halfway through last year and the future looks bright. “So far he’s been a fantastic horse for me,” said Nicola of the 11-year old bay Selle Francais gelding. “He’s been improving a lot. And I think he could be a good horse for the future.”
Fifty-nine combinations took on the third round of the WEF Challenge Cup and the competition was tough. “Always here in Wellington in the qualifiers and the Grand Prixs there are a lot of good riders,” said Nicola. “It’s nice for me to come over from Europe and compete against the best in America and Europeans too. I’m always happy to come back here.”
Nicola and Derby de Riverland claimed the win by a narrow margin of 39.29 versus Darragh and Eddy Blue’s time of 39.64.
“I saw Darragh – he was very quick,” said Nicola, who then depended on Derby de Riverland’s natural ability to seal the deal. “One of his best talents is that he’s really careful. He really wants to do his best, he does not want to touch the poles – it’s a very big plus point. By nature he’s a quick horse and he helped me out.”
Derby de Riverland and Nicola will return on Saturday to compete in the Grand Prix. Fans will have to wait until five-star WEF week 5 to see Katanga van het Dingeshof, the 14-year old bay Belgian Warmblood mare, in action.
“The main goal is to plan a little bit around her, to get ready for the Olympics,” Nicola said. “Every horse is different but I’ve known the mare for a few years so I know a little bit what she likes – I really try to do the nice shows and give her little breaks in between and try to look forward and give her confidence for this year.”
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