The stakes were high this Saturday afternoon in Rome, as 64 riders lined up for the CSIO5* 1.55m class, a crucial qualifier for the Rolex Gran Premio Roma. With only the top finishers earning their place in Sunday’s Grand Prix, the pressure was on — and the sport delivered.
Out of the starting field, 16 riders qualified for the jump-off, promising a fast and thrilling second round.
The first to return for the jump-off, (ITA) Arnaldo Bologni, set a strong early rhythm, but a tight turn proved costly, adding 12 faults to his score.
It was (SWE) Wilma Hellström, third to go with Eleven, who posted the first double clear, setting the standard in 42.11 seconds.
(USA) McLain Ward, in excellent form this week, quickly responded. Aboard Ilex Hbf, he delivered a double clear round in 36.73 seconds, taking the provisional lead.
But it was (BRA) Stephan de Freitas Barcha and Dinozo Imperio Egipcio who stole the show. The Brazilian rider stopped the clock in a lightning-fast 34.66 seconds, a time that would remain unbeaten.
(IRL) Cian O’Connor also impressed with a smooth and efficient double clear in 36.93 seconds, securing third place.
The course, designed to reward risk-taking, featured a particularly tricky obstacle: the brown vertical at fence 3. Riders aiming to gain time by turning tight to this fence often paid the price, making it one of the most faulted jumps of the day.
With speed, precision, and bold riding on display, this qualifier set the stage for a spectacular finale on Sunday: the Rolex Gran Premio Roma.
“I’m really happy — this is an important win for me here in Piazza di Siena. The atmosphere is incredible, and riding here just brings me joy. It’s only my second time at this show: the first time, I finished third in the Grand Prix, and now I get this kind of victory. It’s really special. When this horse was bought for me, I made a promise that we would win at 5-star level — and today, he did it. Tomorrow, I’ll be focused on the Rolex Gran Premio Rome with Primavera imperio egipcio. She jumped a great Nations Cup, so I’m hopeful she’ll do just as well.”
— Stephan de Freitas Barcha
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