Nicolas Philippaerts (Belgium), 30 years old and ranked 19th in the world, has already had an impressive career.
He competed in his first Olympics at the age of 22. He represented Belgium at the World Equestrian Games (2018) and the World Championships (2022), not to mention three World Cup finals, four Nations Cup finals and three European Championships. He is an outstanding talent among her peers.
But the best days are yet to come. 2024 is shaping up to be Philippaerts’ best year yet.
At least when it comes to his bank account.
In less than four months, the Philippaert twins have won €338,209 in prize money, according to Jumpr statistics. This is equivalent to the total income in 2019 (385,204 euros) and approximately half of the income for each year from 2021 to 2023.
By comparison, his take-home pay in the same period last year was less than 50,000 euros.
At its current pace, Philippaerts is on track to surpass 1 million euros in profits for the first time this year. Is there anyone else who earns that kind of income? Kent Farrington.
And if Philippaerts can keep up the pace. last monthit will be close to 2 million.
Most of his 2024 income came from North America in the past 30 days, with the 12-year-old filly H&M Luna Van’t Reutershof (€142,310) out of Zangersheid and Derby des Riverlands. By the 11-year-old Selle Français gelding (€45,799).
The standout star of his American tour is “Luna.”
In the past two weeks, they have reached the podium three times on the Longines Global Champions Tour, winning in Miami on 1.50 meters, third on 1.55 meters and winning their first Grand Prix title on 1.60 meters in Mexico City.
On Sunday, Philippaerts and the chestnut mare made the five-horse jump as one of only two double clears on the Peter Granz course, earning a ticket to November’s GC playoffs.
“She has a heart of gold and is a real lion when she gets in the ring,” Philippaerts said. “She really deserves this win.”
This is Philparts’ first win at the LGCT Grand Prix since 2018. And the possibility of the first parent-child record in the Super Cup begins to emerge.
Nicola’s father, Ruud Philippaerts, was the inaugural Champion of Champions on the Longines Global Champions Tour in 2006, winning the overall championship.
Almost 20 years later, will Nicola be able to repeat that feat? He’s going to try.
“Of course it means a lot. It’s a real honor to be competing in the LGCT Super Grand Prix and I can’t wait to compete there.”
LGCT will next head to Shanghai for the fourth match of the season.
