The queen of Rome: Caracole de La Roque.
During the 2024-edition of CSIO5* Rome at the stunning Piazza di Siena, USA's Karl Cook and the wonder-mare Caracole de La Roque took an impressive win in Sunday's concluding 1.60m Rolex Grand Prix.
In Friday's 1.60m Intesa Sanpaolo Nations Cup, it was Otto Becker's German team that stole the spotlight when taking the top honours on a score of zero ahead of Ireland in second and the Belgians in third. With double clears from Jana Wargers and Dorette, Jörne Sprehe and Sprehe Hot Easy, Kendra Claricia Brinkop and Tabasco de Toxandria Z, Germany's anchor pair of Daniel Deusser and Killer Queen VDM did not even need to enter the ring in the second, decisive round.
With these images, we take a look back at the action at the magical venue in Rome.
All photos © Mackenzie Clark.
When in Rome... You know it is time for the Nations Cup when this happens!
It was Otto Becker's German team that took home the Intesa Sanpaolo Nations Cup-title in Rome.
The Mexican delegation discussing the course set by the Italian mastermind Uliano Vezzani.
Karl Cook and Aaron Vale all smiles.
One of the most beautiful and iconic venues in the world!
Karl Cook and Caracole de La Roque jumped clear in the first round for the American team.
Kendra Claricia Brinkop and the only 9-year-old Tabasco de Toxandria Z jumped clear for the Germans.
Rock solid: Jana Wargers and Dorette contributed to the German victory with a double clear...
...as did Jörne Sprehe and Sprehe Hot Easy.
Daniel Deusser and Killer Queen VDM ended up being the drop-score for the German team with their four faults in round one.
Last minute tactics: Irish Chef d'Equipe Michael Blake walking Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz to the arena.
Sweetnam and the incredible James Kann Cruz delivered a double clear for the Irish.
No pressure... Cian O'Connor and Maurice a double clear for the Irish team, helping them finish second ahead of Belgium.
Daniel Coyle and Legacy clearing the famous Roman chariot, a fence that year after year causes issues.
A job well done. After four faults in the first round, Coyle and Legacy jumped clear in the second round.
Eugenio Garza Perez and Contago jumped double clear for the Mexican team.
The stunning venue is situated in the heart of the city, nestled inside Villa Borghese.
White on white. Lillie Keenan and Argan de Beliard were a part of the US team that placed fourth.
Hugs for Argan de Beliard after a clear round of jumping.
Team Sweden did not have a good day at the office, even though Wilma Hellström and Cicci BJN delivered a picture perfect double clear.
The best of the Swedes in Rome: Cicci BJN and Wilma Hellström.
There is horsepower and then there is horsepower...
The only double clear for the Stars and Stripes: Aaron Vale and Carissimo 25.
All smiles from Thaisa Erwin and Hialita B after a clear for the Australian team that were the last to qualify for the second round.
Behind the scenes... It is a long walk from the stables to the actual ring, and with the venue being in a public park there is always lots of traffic.
Home heroine: Italy's Giulia Martinengo Marquet and Delta Del'Isle jumped clear for the hosts in the second round.
The happy winners from the German team.
Lorenzo De Luca and Cash du Plessis took a popular home win in Thursday's feature class CSIO5* 1.50m presented by ENI.
Saturday's biggest winners were Willem Greve, Grandorado TN N.O.P. and Richard Skillen who took the top honours in the 1.55m Loro Piana Trophy.
Flying to the win: The remarkable Caracole de La Roque winning the Rolex Grand Prix together with Karl Cook.
The top three in the Rolex Grand Prix: Karl Cook, Max Kühner and Petronella Andersson.
Arrivederci, Rome!
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