Stop off in Rome for the Longines Global Champions Tour

It has been three years now, that the unique location of the Stadio di Marei, ringed by 59 classical marble statues depicting different sports, is hosting the the top of the showjumping. The stadium is one of the arenas in the Foro Italico sports area, home to the Italian Olympic Committee. Both years have seen spectators filling every space available to catch a glimpse of the world’s show jumping heroes in action. Italian riders will be competing in front of a passionate local and international crowd as the battle for the series championship reaches a crucial stage with competitors locked in a gladiatorial battle for the honours.

Winner last year, Harries Smolders is actually leading the circuit with 268 points in front of the talentuous German, Christian Ahlmann (257 points) winner in Berlin and second in Valkenswaard with his genius, Codex One. The Italian flag is pointing at the third place thanks to the good performances of Alberto Zorzi who has now a total of 255 points. Once again, the competition will be tough and full of suspense as the riders will try to score points before the finale.

The main class will take place on Saturday, at 4pm local time, with a prize money of 300 000 euros. Just before, the teams of the Global Champions League will compete.

After five months off for pregnancy, Edwina Tops-Alexander will show again her talent in the ring. She already jumped last weekend in the Longines CSI 5* of Lausanne finishing with just one down in the Grand Prix riding California.

The Great Britain is coming with a really strong team as Scott Brash, Ben Maher and John Whitaker will compete on the Italian soil from tomorrow. The young and talented Emily Moffit will also be joining them.

American ladies, in really good shape at the moment as they won the Nations Cup in the CSIO 5* of Calgary on the first weekend of September. Lauren Hough and Lillie Keenan, part of the winning team in Canada, will also embark upon the Longines Global Champions Team in Rome. By their side, there will also be Kerry Mc Cahill.