Jos Verlooy takes the lead on day 1 of the Belgian Championships

Three-time Belgian champion Jos Verlooy won the first round of the BK show jumping competition this afternoon with Killossery Konfusion (Siec Livello x Cruising). Verlooy already won the BK gold in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and was fastest in the chase course. He finished clear in 71.01seconds. Olivier Philippaerts (Just Him, Toulon x Lancer II) followed in second place in 71.34 seconds. Provisional third place goes to Ugo Berritella (Devino van 't Langeveld Z, Dayton Sitte x For Pleasure) who did 71.81seconds over his chase course.

Olivier Philippaerts and Just Him finished second above expectations in the chase course, where speed was the deciding factor. His twin brother Nicola fared less well. He was irrevocably ruled out after two refusals by Derby de Riverland (Kannan) at the first obstacle.

Outgoing Belgian champion Gilles Thomas (Qiara de Kalvarie, Don't Touch Tiji Hero x Zandor Z) got a fault on the exit of the double jump, dropping him back to twelfth place. Tomorrow the second round will be jumped, Friday the horses will get a rest day and Saturday there will be the final with the top 16.