Edited press release from EEF

Italy proved to be the team to beat at the CSIO3* 1.45m Longines EEF Series South Group qualifier, which took place at the Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre in Athens, Greece, after they finished the two-round competition on a score of four. In second place were hosts Greece while Romania rounded out the podium. 

Victory for Italy ensured they will progress to the semi-finals as will Greece and Ukraine who both picked up valuable qualifying points.

The Italians were in imperious form from the outset with their first three horses and riders - Roberto Turchetto with Heidelberg (Mylord Carthago x Flyinge Quite Easy), Filippo Bassan on Cerruti de Kreisker (HH Conrad x Diamant de Semilly) and Antonio Maria Garofalo riding Abelle Degli Assi (Arko III x Nabab de Reve) all producing stylish clears in the first round. These performances meant Italy led by eight penalties at the halfway stage and their fourth rider, Bruno Chimirri on Samara (Cardento x Canturo), opted not to jump in the opening round. 

Double clears for Roberto with Heidelberg and Antonio riding Abelle Degli Assi and just four faults for Filippo on Cerruti de Kreisker in the second round meant their win was assured and Bruno and Samara were not required to jump in the second round either. Bruno has jumped in the arena before however, having been a member of the Italian team at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

“It’s a beautiful day for us. We are very happy, our horses jumped very well. Congratulations to Roberto and Antonio for their double clears,” said chef d’equipe Marco Porro.

The star of the class was undoubtedly Abelle Degli Assi, a daughter of the renowned showjumping stallion Arko III, owned by Domenico Merlani. The talented eight-year-old mare made Andreas Bamberger’s track look easy, she never looked like touching a pole as she produced two notable clear rounds.  

“I’m very happy. My horse is young, she’s only eight-years-old. I’ve had her since she was four and I’m really happy with this result. I really hope she has a big future ahead of her,” said Antonio. 

There was a close battle for second and third between Greece and Romania. Both teams finished the first round on eight faults and then some impressive second round performances meant neither team added to that total so they had to be separated by time. Much to the home crowds delight it was the Greeks who had been quicker and consequently secured the runner-up spot.

The Longines EEF Series offers two qualifiers for each of the four regions - South, North, Central and West, with the semi finals held in Budapest (HUN) and Deauville (FRA) and the final held in the Polish capital Warsaw on 8 September. 

Next week, both region West in Roeser (LUX) and region North in Drammen (NOR) will be in action with more semi-final spots up for grabs.