During the last week of 2022, Gilles rode a near-home competition in Mechelen's Nekkerhal. Now that Gilles and the horses are enjoying a little rest, he looks back on the 40th edition of Jumping Mechelen with a very satisfied feeling.

"Fifth place in the World Cup round is fantastic but until that very last obstacle where I had a momentary communication error with Calleryama (Casall x Contender), there might have been much more in it" he said.  "We'll never know and that's just the sport.  I went all the way. The mare jumped fantastic all week. The crowd was great and I really enjoyed it."

Gilles: Luna van het Dennehof (Prince van de Wolfsakker x Quidam de Revel) also jumped good in Mechelen. And then there was Ermitage Kalone (Catoki x Kanan) who jumped double clear in the 'Sires of the World' on Tuesday evening. With his fifth place in Mechelen, he confirmed all the good things we have always seen in him. He is all set to take the next step in his development in 2023. Feromas Van Beek (Fantomas de Muze x Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve) also jumped a clear basic round in the Sires class and became 7th.  These are one by one results that give me the necessary confidence to enter 2023.  My next important appointment is in Basel, Switzerland, from 12 to 15 January where I ‘ll jump the Worldcup.

Gilles wins Henders & Hazel Jumping Ranking

For a long time it seemed Jerôme Guery would win the Henders & Hazel Jumping Ranking, but in the end, due to good results during Jumping Mechelen, Gilles jumped over the vice-world champion. The prize goes to the best Belgian rider in the Equibel-ranking. Gilles will be delighted to receive this beautiful trophy at the Equigala on 17 January at Dockx in Brussels.

• Ranking