Friday's second Longines Ranking class in Verona was a 1.55m competition with a jump-off presented by Prestige.

The course set by Uliano Vezzani was massive, and the time allowed was tight - nevertheless there were 16 riders who made it to the jump-off. Italy's Lorenzo de Luca on Limestone Grey (Try-Time) seemed determined to give his all to the home crowd and went flat out, stopping the clock at 36.39 seconds. Even though De Luca's round seemed extremely fast, his compatriot Gianni Govoni on Antonio (Oklund x Aes Dick Z) gave it a try and he rode a round that got the spectators gasping for air. Govoni got close to De Luca's time, but it was not enough as the timers stopped on 36.72 seconds.

It looked like it would be a home win for Italy, but then came Kevin Staut (FRA) on Ayade de Septon HDC (Wandor van de Wispelaere x Belle d´Avril du Mazy). The French rider produced a brilliant round and set the winning time of 35.53 seconds.

"My horse has had a break from jumping for a few months, so I am very happy with the result today. I only did one smaller show before coming here, but I knew she has the experience so I could go into a big class here. I saw Lorenzo's round and he was very fast, but I also know my horse is quick and the jump-off track suited us. My horse is so careful so I could try all and today it worked out, I am very happy," the winner said.