9 September 2012 – Riding Cabrio van de Heffinck, 19 year old Philippaerts won the prestigious title and prize money of CAN$335,000 / €265,000, ahead of second place Beezie Madden (USA) riding Simon, and Olivier’s father Ludo Philippaerts (BEL) riding Challenge VD Begijnakker.
On a tough track from course designer Leopoldo Palacios, Olivier Philippaerts was the only rider to jump two clear rounds, though he incurred one time penalty in each to finish on a total score of two faults. Both Beezie Madden and Ludo Philippaerts incurred four faults in the first round and went clear in the second, but Beezie was the quicker of the two in the first round and captured second place overall.
Speaking about his horse Cabrio van de Heffinck, Olivier Philippaerts said, “He has a very good character and he wants go and he wants to win, and this is very important.”
Calgary, Canada – The 2012 Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament had great significance for U.S. riders, as it was their final competition under the guidance of legendary Chef d’Equipe George Morris. The prestigious competition is always a destination event for not only the best in North America but also draws top competitors from Europe. The signature classes of Spruce Meadows would once again draw a packed house of spectators, as horses and riders competed for top individual honors in Sunday’s CN International Grand Prix, while just 24 hours earlier, teams jumped for bragging rights in the BMO Nations Cup.