Longines Global Champions Tour: the elegant kermesse of the most thrilling show jumping stopped in Rome

15 September 2019 Denisa Kucik

The most loved and awaited competition by fans of horseback riding in Italy came back to Rome, where, at the Stadio dei Marmi, four exciting days of high level riding offered a unique experience to the many spectators gathered there.

The formidable British rider Ben Maher, who competed in a stunning barrage with only three other opponents, was confirmed as champion of the coveted Grand Prix of Rome. The tension rose to the stars and the public was very supportive of the home favourite, the airman Luca Marziani, who, however, after having played a perfect first round, felt the responsibility for not disappointing the warm audience, so ended up by finished his barrage only in fourth place.

These are the results of Grand Prix barrage: Ben Maher double clear in a time of 38.76 sec., the rider was so fast that he left behind Marlon Madolo Zanotelli 0/0 with 39.20 sec. and Ludger Beerbaum 0/0 in 39.39sec.., fourth the Italian rider Luca Marziani with 0/12 in 42.16 sec. Follow in the ranking: Julien Epaillard 4 pen. 73.66 sec.; Simone Delestre 4 pen. in 75.45 sec.; Marcus Ehnning 4 pen. in 76.49 sec.Nayel Nassar 4 pen. in 77.68 sec.; Alberto Zorzi 4 pen. in 78.06; Daniel Deusser 4 pen. 78.74 sec.; Carabiniere chosen Emanuele Gaudiano 4 pen. in 79.79 sec. and Pieter Devos 4 for.79.86 sec.

Last year’s victory in Rome brought good luck to Ben Mahler, who was crowned LGCT Champion of Champions of the 2018 edition. For this edition of 2019 there is an interesting new entry in the LGCT locations: at the end of September the tour will be for the first time in the history of Longines in New York. The races will take place on Governors Island, with a breathtaking view of the Statue of Liberty and the Lower Manhattan skyline.