The Longines FEI World Cup season 2016/2017 will end with the prestigious final in Omaha (USA) in less than two week’s time. We spoke with Italian rider Lorenzo de Luca, who has shown great form throughout the season and was ranked second in the Western European League – qualifying for his first ever World Cup Final.

“I am really, really excited – it will be my first World Cup Final. I had a good indoor season. My last test for Ensor de Litrange LXII (Nabab de Reve x Mr.Blue), who will be my horse for the final, was last weekend in s’Hertogenbosch and he jumped well.”

The riders are allowed to ride two horses in the Final and Lorenzo is thinking about using this option: ”I think I will also bring Limestone Grey (Try-Time) for the first day’s Table C class,” Lorenzo told WoSJ.

To prepare for the long trip the Italian talent will take a weekend off from showing. ”I have two horses that I believe can do very well, so I am very focused. For the next week I have planned no show, to make sure that I can fully focus and organize everything. I will try to do my best and I hope to come back with a good result.”

When asked who he thinks will do well in the final, Lorenzo mentioned two names in particular. ”I believe that Kevin has a really good chance and that McLain really wants to win the World Cup Final on home turf. But I am sure that everyone will do their best to be in top form for this final – it will be exciting sport!” 

Text © World of Showjumping by Nanna Nieminen // Picture © Jenny Abrahamsson (No reproduction without permission)