The Hong Kong Jockey Club was celebrate Friday during the Longines Masters of Hong Kong CSI 5* and Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) brought the crowd to their feet with a thrilling ride to capture the night’s main event, the €84,000 Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy CSI 5*.

Philippaerts proved in irresistible form onboard H&M Cue Channa, a 13-year-old grey Swedish Warmblood mare (Cardento 933 x Robin Z), sealing the victory in the 1.50m Masters One winning round class with a flawless second round clocked at 34.72 seconds.

Pius Schwizer (SUI) & About A Dream

The Belgian star did enough to keeep flying Pius Schwizer (SUI) and About A Dream (Clinton x Indoctro) at bay, the latter finishing second with a final time of 35.07 seconds.

Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) & Chalou

Third place went to Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) on Chalou (Chacco-Blue x Baloubet du Rouet), backed by a clean scorecard, stopping the final timers in 35.73 seconds.

Podium: 2 – Pius Schwizer (SUI) 1 – Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) & €3 – Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA)

“What a night,” said Philippaerts, and what a ride. “I knew wwe had speed but I also knew there would be other quick times,” he said. “But once we got over that first jump I felt really confident.”

For full results, please click here.

Photos: © EEM / Jessica Rodrigues / Sportfot