Remarkable Pairs Ready to Take on Rolex Grand Prix of Rome
A strong field of competitors is lined up to contest the Rolex Grand Prix of Rome, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Piazza di Siena. Who are the front-runners?
The 90th edition of the CSIO5* Rome, Piazza di Siena is set to reach its climax with the thrilling Rolex Grand Prix this afternoon. Over two rounds, a total of 50 combinations will battle for the win. Who are the horse and rider combinations to keep your eye on throughout the competition?
Laura Kraut & Baloutinue (773)
This powerhouse pair has been relentlessy consistent this year. Over 14 rounds at 4* and 5* level at 150 or above, the 14-year-old gelding maintains a monumental 78.6% clear rate. At 160, that rate lies at 75%. On similar soil in Mexico City, this duo finished third in the LGCT Grand Prix, before heading to San Miguel de Allende to produce the only double clear round in the Nations Cup. With the current form these two are in and a favourable last draw, they are the ones to watch today!
Andre Thieme & DSP Chakaria (766)
The reigning European champions are another well-accustomed duo to big grass arenas, recording their greatest successes on the green surface. They haven’t had much exposure at the 160 level yet this year but produced a solid 0-4 Nations Cup result here on Friday.
Daniel Bluman & Ladriano Z (753)
This well-established duo comes into the today’s Rolex Grand Prix in Rome off the back of a sixth place finish in the Rolex Grand Prix of Windsor. Despite having produced numerous successes in upper-level Grand Prix, they have only produced 2 out of 6 clears at 160 this year. Can they add a clear to their record today?
Giampiero Garofalo & Max Van Lentz Schrans
The home crowd will surely be excited to see this pair return to the Piazza di Siena today. They produced one of just four double clear rounds in the 160 Nations Cup on Friday, a feat made even more impressive by the fact that before then, Max Van Lentz Schrans had never contested a track higher than 150.