PIERGIORGIO BUCCI TRIUMPHS IN A HISTORIC ROLEX GRAN PREMIO ROMA

Under refreshing Italian sunshine and in front of a packed crowd gathered in the magnificent setting of the Villa Borghese, the Rolex Gran Premio Roma delivered a thrilling conclusion to the 100th edition of CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena on Sunday afternoon.

The highlight of the week on the Rolex Series calendar brought together 45 qualified riders for the prestigious two-round competition, designed by renowned Italian course designer Uliano Vezzani. Featuring 13 obstacles and 16 jumping efforts in the opening round, the technical and demanding 1.60m course immediately proved a true test of skill, precision and partnership.

Ireland's Denis Lynch and Vistogrand were the first to tackle the track. A rail at the oxer following the double combination resulted in four penalties, demonstrating the challenge awaiting the field.

Among the early contenders was defending champion Yuri Mansur, winner of the 2025 Rolex Gran Premio Roma. Riding QH Alfons Santo Antonio, the Brazilian incurred faults at the Rolex Series wall and another fence, joining a growing list of riders unable to master the demanding first-round course.

The Rolex Series wall quickly emerged as one of the most challenging obstacles of the afternoon, catching out numerous combinations and contributing to a tricky opening round where clear rounds proved extremely difficult to achieve.

As the competition progressed, riders realised that speed would become increasingly important in the battle to secure one of the coveted places in the second round.

The crowd finally witnessed the first faultless performance from Germany's Richard Vogel, one of the pre-event favourites and Rolex Testimonee. Riding Cloudio, Vogel delivered a top controlled round to become the first rider to complete the course without penalties.

More clear rounds followed. Khaled Almobty and Diana du Plevau Z produced another excellent performance for Saudi Arabia, while Marilyn Little and La Contessa added their names to the growing list of qualified riders.

The home crowd were on their feet when their own countryman Piergiorgio Bucci, riding Pallieter vd N.Ranch, produced an immaculate round. Germany's Jörne Sprehe with Toys and Sophie Hinners riding Iron Dames Combella also secured their places in the second round.

Last to enter the arena, Spain's Armando Trapote and Tornado VS delighted spectators with another clear round, ensuring an amazing conclusion to the opening phase of the competition.

At the end of the first round, only seven riders remained on a score of zero. They were joined in the second round by six combinations carrying four penalties, including the fastest four-fault rider, Italy's Giulia Martinengo Marquet and Delta Del'Isle. Fellow Italians Riccardo Pisani and Chacco's Lawito PS, Olympic medallist Laura Kraut riding Baloutinue, Sweden's Wilma McMahon with Cicci BJN and Mexico's Andres Azcarraga riding Contendros 2 also progressed.

The second round, featuring eight obstacles, promised another intense showdown.

First to go in, Andres Azcarraga, retired before completing the course, while Wilma McMahon produced a clear round to remain on a total of four penalties.

Among the clear-round qualifiers, Jörne Sprehe was the first to return. Setting an ambitious pace, the German rider looked set for a leading performance before a rail down at the final fence added four penalties.

Then came the moment the Italian crowd had been waiting for.

Piergiorgio Bucci delivered a magnificent second clear round, becoming the first rider to achieve a double clear. The atmosphere around the arena was electric as the home favourite moved into the lead and applied immense pressure on the remaining contenders.

One by one, the challengers attempted to surpass Bucci's benchmark. It all came down to the final rider, Germany's Sophie Hinners with Iron Dames Combella. A clear round would have secured her a win, but a costly fault at the final fence handed the win to the Italian rider.

The Villa Borghese exploded in celebration as Piergiorgio Bucci claimed a memorable victory on home soil, adding his name to the prestigious Rolex Gran Premio Roma honour roll during the centenary edition of the CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena.

Rolex Gran Premio Roma, Final Podium

1- Piergiorgio Bucci (ITA) & Pallieter vd N.Ranch

2- Jörne Sprehe (GER) & Toys

3- Richard Vogel (GER) & Cloudio

--ENDS--

Edited by HT

Photo by Rolex Series

Full results here