Ludo Philippaerts is Unstoppable

The first five star Grand Prix of Portugal (150,000 €) saw Belgian rider, Ludo Philippaerts, maintain his well-earned lead and emerge victorious in front of a record crowd on Sunday 23 July. The victory being claimed following a brilliant fight to the finish and a winning round on Parco.

Twelve riders were clear in the first round of the 1m60 class, then seven earned a place in the jump-off with a second clear round. In the end, it was Philippaerts’ jump-off round with Parco in 38.90 seconds that sealed his win. Second place honors went to Australian Edwina Alexander aboard Isovlas Pialotta in 39.61 seconds while Bernardo Alves (BRA) finished third on Chupa Chup 2 in 41.15 seconds.

The first five star Grand Prix of Portugal and course designs by Frank Rothenberger (GER) were all met with high praise from the riders. “This was three days of top sport (…) one of the best shows I have ever ridden at” gushed Philippaerts, “This course was fabulous, I was not concerned about a single fence”. The Belgian also taking the time to praise the wonderful performance of his horse, Parco.

2006 Global Champions Tour Ranking (After fourth leg at CSI Estoril)

Rank Prize Money (€) Rider (Country)
1 111,500 Ludo Philippaerts (BEL)
2 57,500 Thomas Frühmann (AUT)
3 50,000 Norman Dello Joio (USA)
4 36,500 Edwina Alexander (AUS)
5 33,000 Michel Hecart (FRA)
6 31,000 Francois Mathy Jr. (BEL)
6 31,000 Samantha McIntosh (BUL)
8 30,000 Nick Skelton (GBR)

For more information on CSI Estoril, visit www.csiestoril.com