The opening qualifier for the Rolex Gran Premio Roma set the tone this Thursday afternoon in the stunning oval of Piazza di Siena. The CSIO5* 1.50m against the clock, presented by Range Rover, welcomed 60 international riders.
With only one chance to shine, every second counted. (GBR) Robert Murphy was the first to enter the ring with Koblenz vd Middelstede, setting the rhythm but finishing with 4 faults. The first clear round came from (IRL) Seamus Hughes Kennedy aboard Esi Rocky, opening the door for what would become a tightly contested battle for the lead.
The home crowd erupted when (ITA) Giacomo Bassi delivered a flawless round with Cash du Pratel, becoming the first Italian rider to go clear in this highly competitive class.
(BRA) Stephan de Freitas Barcha then set a strong benchmark aboard Dinozo Imperio Egipcio, stopping the clock at 64.96 seconds. His time remained unbeaten for much of the class — until start number 57. That’s when (USA) McLain Ward, riding High Star Hero, delivered a superb round in 64.77 seconds, snatching victory by just two-tenths of a second.
(ITA) Emilio Bicocchi and Excaliburg also put in a strong performance, finishing third in 66.48 seconds, just ahead of (FRA) Kevin Staut and Queen’s Balou B, fourth in 67.09 seconds.
Fast, technical, and fiercely competitive, the Range Rover Prize has set the perfect tone for an unforgettable week ahead in Rome.
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