Estoril, Portugal – In the first big class of CSI5* Estoril, worth 40,000 Euros, the leader of the Global Champions Tour ranking, Ludo Philippaerts, was successful once again. In the 1.50m jump-off round, the Belgian crossed the finish line riding Parco in 39.72 seconds. He took tremendous joy in the fact that he finished in front of his fellow countryman Dirk Demeersman, who’s time was 40.54 seconds. “He beat me last week in the Grand Prix at a Belgian international show," explained Philippaerts of the rivalry. "I was first to go and we were really quick, and then he came at the end and beat me. This morning, I told him, if you go clear I am going to beat you today!” And that’s exactly what he did. In the end, it was third place for Demeersman and Clinton as Jessica Kürten (IRL) and Castle Forbes Maike became the runner-ups in a time of 40.48 seconds.

In her first appearance riding for Portugal, Luciana Diniz finished fourth. “My family originally comes from Portugal and the Portuguese Federation has invited me several times to start for this country, but everything has to come at the right time," said Diniz who formerly competed for Brazil. The Portuguese gave their new rider a warm welcome. When Luciana Diniz and Dover had a fast time in the jump-off, the crowd could not stay in their seats. “The crowd has been going crazy, they cheered like they did during soccer!" Diniz said excitedly. “It was a great feeling. In that moment, I knew that I made the right decision!"

French rider Michel Hecart aboard That's Life won the second international class of the opening day in Estoril. In the 1.45m speed class, he took first place with a clear round in 54.99 seconds. Once again, the runner-up was Jessica Kürten, this time riding Castle Forbes Libertina in 55.18 seconds. Third went to Gregory Wathelet (URK) with Lord Z II in 55.71 seconds. Hecart is also one of the top eight riders in the GCT ranking and, like Philippaerts and Kürten, is considered a favourite for the forth leg of the Global Champions Tour, sponsored by CN and CN WorldWide, on Sunday, July 23. The top eight riders in the GCT rankings will split the bonus money of 600,000 Euros following the final at CSI5* Lanaken (BEL) on September 24, 2006.

It’s not only the riders who profit from the high prize money offered by the Global Champions Tour, it is also its official charity partner, JustWorld International. Several fundraising and awareness activities will be held during CSI Estoril.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ludo Philippaerts and Parco were unbeatable in the first big class of CSI Estoril. Photo by Manfred Leitgeb.