The CSIO5* 1.60m Rolex Grand Prix of Rome was an action-packed affair! Here we look back at some of the thrills and spills from the first round of the Grand Prix staged at the beautiful Piazza di Siena, which as usual was filled to the brim for the highlight of the weekend – an even more special occassion this year as the show celebrated its 90th anniversary.
First out, Germany's Andre Thieme who left the ring with a big smile on his face after a flawless first round from DSP Chakaria which qualified the reigning European Champions for the second round.
All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping.
Searching for shadow while waiting for the class to start.
Jens Fredricson and Markan Cosmopolit waiting for their turn to solve all the questions asked by course designer Uliano Vezzani during the first round...
...which turned out to be no problem for the duo, who also was part of the Swedish team that won the gold medal at the World Championships last year.
Much to the joy of the home crowd, Italy's Emanuele Gaudiano and Chalou delivered a clear round.
A pleased Bryan Balsiger leaving the ring after a clear first round with Dubai du Bois Pinchet.
Belgium's Pieter Devos and Nascar Van 'T Siamshof both looked happy when leaving the ring clear.
Two of the fastest four-faulters in the first round qualified for the second round; Italy's Francesca Ciriesi and Cape Coral were the quickest of them all...
...followed by Belgium's Koen Vereecke and Kasanova de La Pomme, who were the last ones qualifying for the second round with their four faults from the first round.
Marlon Modolo Zanotelli and Grand Slam VDL also had four faults in the first round, and even though they tried to speed up they finished 14 and just a bit too slow to qualify for the second round.
It really goes up and down in this sport. Michael Pender, who secured the Nations Cup win for Ireland together with HHS Calais, ended up in trouble in the triple combination during the Rolex Grand Prix with HHS Los Angeles and decided to retire.
World no. two Julien Epaillard had a big smile on his face...
...after he and Dubai du Cedre qualified for round two with a clear.
Ireland's Jessica Burke and Express Trend had only two fences left...
... when they got in trouble at the Loro Piana oxer on the short side of the arena.
It looked quite dramatic when Riccardo Pisani parted ways with Charlemagne JT Z in the triple combination after a stumble before the b-element, but luckily...
...Charlemagne JT Z got assistance and was hand walked out of the ring...
...and, thankfully, both horse and rider seemed ok after their scary fall.
The face says it all: A clear round for Jur Vrieling and Long John Silver 3 N.O.P.
USA's Laura Kraut and Baloutinue were one of the favourite pairs for the win...
...after a first round where they made everything look so easy.
Harrie Smolders and Bingo du Parc were another pair in top form solving Uliano Vezzani's questions easily.
Tim Gredley was extremely pleased with Medoc de Toxandria after delivering a flawless first round.
It was pure joy for the Brazilian team...
...when Stephan de Freitas Barcha and Chevaux Primavera Montana Imperio Egipcio...
...delivered a clear round.
All smiles for Team Thieme after a great start to the Rolex Grand Prix.
Then