Fresh from Mexico’s memorable victory in the Nations Cup Intesa Sanpaolo at the CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena, Carlos Hank Guerreiro was still taking in the emotions of an unforgettable afternoon in Rome. Delivering a crucial double clear aboard H5 Shaq Attack, the Mexican rider played a key role in securing his nation’s success at the 100th edition of one of show jumping’s most iconic events.

“It’s hard to describe how this feels,” he admitted. “Especially here, at such an incredible venue celebrating its 100th anniversary. There is so much history in this place and everyone involved in the sport knows how much work goes into reaching moments like these. They don’t happen very often, which makes them even more special.”

For Hank Guerreiro, the victory was as much about the team as it was about the result itself.

“I’m incredibly happy and incredibly proud to be part of this team. These are people I have known for most of my life, riders I have grown up with and shared so many experiences with. To have the opportunity to compete alongside them and contribute to a result like this means a lot.”

His own performance was one of the highlights of the afternoon. Riding H5 SHAQ ATTACK, he delivered one of the competition’s few double clears, a result that underlined the horse’s quality on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

“I think today was a great testament to my horse. I have always believed in him. He has been a little unlucky in some previous Nations Cup appearances, but today he really showed what he is capable of. I’m very thankful to him, to my team, and to everyone behind the scenes who helps make days like this possible.”

With Sunday’s Rolex Gran Premio Roma now firmly in sight, attention quickly turns to the highlight of the week. However, the Mexican rider admitted that his immediate focus remains on enjoying the moment before making any decisions.

“Right now, I need to take a step back and really absorb everything that happened today,” he explained. “It was a very special day for all of us. Then I’ll sit down with my team and assess the situation.”

One thing is certain: when it comes to the Rolex Gran Premio Roma, Hank Guerreiro knows exactly what is at stake.

“These events and these Rolex Grand Prix do not come around every week. For me, they are the most important competitions in the world. When we come to a show like this, we come with everything we have.”

Although he has not yet decided which horse he will ride on Sunday, H5 SHAQ ATTACK remains a strong contender following his outstanding performance in the Nations Cup.

“H5 SHAQ ATTACK is in great shape at the moment,” he said. “I also have two other horses here that are a little less experienced, so we will evaluate everything before making a decision.”

As for his ambitions, the Mexican remains realistic while refusing to rule anything out.

“We always have to go into a competition believing we have a chance. If you don’t think that, then you shouldn’t be entering the ring. H5 SHAQ ATTACK is a fantastic Nations Cup horse and there are still areas where we can improve, especially against some of the fastest combinations in the world. But this is show jumping, and anything can happen.”

Asked who he sees as the biggest threat on Sunday, Hank Guerreiro smiled.

“At Rolex Series events, there are so many great riders. Richard Vogel is in fantastic form at the moment and he can win on any given day. But beyond him, there are another ten or twenty riders who are equally capable of winning. That’s what makes these competitions so special.”

Following Mexico’s triumph in the Nations Cup, confidence is high within the team. Whether aboard H5 SHAQ ATTACK or another mount, Carlos Hank Guerreiro will undoubtedly be one of the riders to watch when the Rolex Gran Premio Roma takes centre stage on Sunday.