Edited press release from CSIO Rome Piazza di Siena

Once again, world no. two Julien Epaillard proved untouchable at CSIO Rome Piazza di Siena, as he won Friday's CSIO5* 1.55m against the clock presented by Aston Martin.

The French rider piloted the 10-year-old mare Dubai du Cedre (Baloubet du Rouet x Diamant de Semilly) through the timers in 59.45 seconds, and it was his compatriot Simon Delestre with Enjoy d’Eole (Kannan x Carthago) who finished in runner-up position when going late in the field and less than a second slower. Switzerland’s Bryan Balsiger took third with Dubai du Bois Pinchet (Kashmir Van Schuttershof x Andiamo). 

Earlier in the morning, Belgium’s Koen Vereecke steered the 12-year-old stallion Lector vd Bisschop (Bamako de Muze x For Pleasure) into pole position in the 1.45m Safe Riding Accumulator staged at the Gallopotoio – the all-weather arena close to the entrance of the Villa Borghese public park. He pipped Brazil’s Marlon Zanotelli and Cornest (Balou du Reventon x Stakkatol) for the win by just over a second while Switzerland’s Bryan Balsiger and Just Special VK (Falaise de Muze x Toulon) finished third in the field of 33 starters.