Yuri Mansur Shines at the 2025 Rolex Grand Prix in Rome

Under the majestic pine trees of Villa Borghese, the 2025 edition of the CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena came to a thrilling close with the Rolex Grand Prix, the highlight of a week filled with top-level sport and timeless elegance.

Brazil’s Yuri Mansur and his outstanding mare Miss Blue-Saint Blue Farm claimed victory in the Rolex Grand Prix with a very fast double clear round.

Mansur, who comes from a non-equestrian background, began with this sport seriously after moving to Belgium to train with Ludo Philippaerts — a key figure in his career. Now based in the Netherlands with his own stable, he had his birthday yesterday right here in Rome.

Yury about his horse:

This is a mare from Brazil, she didn’t have any experience when she left there but in three years since 2022 she has given me my best wins. And I have the feeling it’s just the beginning, we’ve had some bad luck with health problems but now she is good again and she is doing an unbelievable job!

and then, talking about the course and his strategy, added:

At first, I had some doubts — especially on the last line — whether I should do five strides or not. But I had done it a couple of times with my mare, so I was confident. Everything else felt quite clear and straightforward in my mind. As for the jump-off, I think almost I could make a mistake. I had an advised to start from the right, but at the last moment, I changed my plan and I went from the left.That decision stayed with me — it affected my first fence in the jump-off, and I didn’t get a good distance. That cost me a stride, and in the end, it just wasn’t enough. Of course, in a jump-off you have to take risks, and sometimes it doesn’t work out. That’s basically what happened.

To listen to Yury comments from the press release click HERE

The duo delivered a truly magical performance, managing to catch — and surpass — the time set by Ireland’s Cian O’Connor, world number 10, aboard his 12-year-old gelding Iron Man in a nail-biting second round. At the press conference Cian said about him:

He’s a special horse with a huge canter and a big heart. I’ve been riding him since last September, but it took some time for us to understand each other. Even early this year in Florida, we still weren’t fully ready. So I dropped him back to smaller classes — around 1.30m — and rebuilt his confidence. Now we had a great feeling. Since then, he’s jumped six Grand Prixs in a row double clear.  He doesn’t have much experience against the clock yet, and he’s not the fastest — he really takes time over his fences. But we’re working on it, and who knows what’s next!

Cian's quote HERE.

Claiming third place was France’s rising star, 25-year-old Nina Mallevaey, who impressed with her powerful performance aboard Dynastie de Beaufour.

She said about his expectations for the competition:

Today I was really hoping for a clear round,” said young rider. I know I have a special horse, really generous. We did our  first five-star Grand Prix last year, but I think we’ve built a really good partnership. This was my first time at the CSIO in Rome, and from the first day he jumped really well. Being here is a dream come true.

Nina quote's HERE

Just behing them with two amazing clear rounds, 23-year-old Irish rider : Seamus Hughes Kennedy with Esi Rocky. He is a former participant in the Young Riders Academy program in 2024. In a recent interview, he highlighted the Academy’s mission: “The goal is to leverage the expertise and opportunities provided by the YRA professionals, on and off horses, with a focus on careful preparation and strategic planning. I really aim to represent Ireland proudly on the global stage for the future.” Today, for him that vision has become a reality in front of a huge public!

The crowd, filling the grandstands and grassy hillsides of Piazza di Siena, created a vibrant atmosphere – elegant yet passionate. Italian fans cheered loudly for their home riders, especially Giulia Martinengo Marquet, who finished in 9^th place aboard Delta del’Isle.

The Rolex Grand Prix once again confirmed Piazza di Siena as one of the jewels of the international jumping calendar – an event where sport, style, and history come together in perfect harmony. With its manicured grass arena, heritage-rich setting, and world-class competition, the show continues to enchant riders and fans alike.

As the sun set behind the Villa Borghese trees, the Grand Prix podium glowed with achievement, tradition, and the promise of more unforgettable moments in the years to come.

RESULTS

THE ROLEX GRAN PRIX OF ROME IS PART OF THE Rolex Series events unite six of the most prestigious equestrian shows in the world each supported by Rolex.