Miami Beach, Florida, USA – April 06, 2024 – Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) & H&M Luna van’T Ruytershof Z were likely the most consistent combination to have competed in the Longines Global Champions Tour of Miami Beach CSI 5*. After a third place finish in the €105,500 GCL Individual Speed Challenge CSI 5* the previous day, the duo came back even stronger to win the €56,800 LGCT Speed Challenge CSI 5* on Saturday.

Going up against 31 other top combinations, the Belgian and the 12-year-old chestnut Zangersheide mare (Levisto x For Pleasure) triumphed in the 1.50m contest by clearing all the fences flawlessly and completing their round in 62.97 seconds.

The most consistent rider of the LGCT championship series so far this season, Eduardo Álvarez Aznar (ESP) was back on the podium again, this time with D’Orient Batilly. The dynamic duo finished second backed by a penalty-free performance in 62.62 seconds.

Winners of the first major FEI class at the event, the €28,200 Speed Challenge CSI 5* two days before, Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) and Elwikke put on another solid performance, rounding out the top three in 65.27 seconds.

Final Results – €56,800 LGCT Speed Challenge CSI 5*

1) Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) & H&M Luna van’T Ruytershof Z– 0 – 62.97

2) Eduardo Álvarez Aznar (ESP) & D’Orient Batilly – 0 – 64.62

3) Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) & Elwikke – 0 – 65.27

Source: LGCT – Longines Global Champions Tour

Text: Jumper News, no reproduction without permission.

Photos: © LGCT / Stefano Grasso

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