Jur Vrieling takes win in Rome’s Grand Prix

 

Jur Vrieling made history at Piazza di Siena today when becoming the first Dutch rider in the 85-year history of the event to win the Grand Prix of Rome sponsored by Loro Piana.

In the 1.60m Grand Prix, Vrieling claimed the win aboard the 11-year-old Belgian horse VDL Glasgow vh Merelsnest (by Nabab de Reve) jumping the only clear round in the jump off out of  12 competitors.

“I talked with our Chef d’Equipe Rob Ehrens and made a plan and I was quick over the first three fences, but I wanted to do nine strides, one less than most of the others, down to the double because Glasgow has such a big stride. But at the last minute I realised I was going too fast and I steadied him too much so instead we did 10 or 11, I’m not sure, and I don’t know how he left the double up - he was almost 2 metres off the second part - this win today was 80 percent Glasgow and 20 percent me!” he said.

Italy’s Alberto Zorzi ridingFair Light van T Heike, jumped the faster jump off in 45.92 seconds but as he had a fence down he finished in second position,

The pair was followed by Lorenzo De Luca and Ensor de Litrange LXII (by Nabab de Reve).

 “I was a bit flat at fence seven like many others, but I can’t be disappointed with my horse Ensor, if we keep jumping like this I’m very happy!” said de Luca who had to settle for third with his four faults in 46.02 seconds and earned the Master Fratelli d’Inzeo prize as Leading Rider of the Show.

The top five was completed by Ireland’s Marc McAuley and his 13-year-old Miebello (by Flyinge Quite Easy) in fourth and Alvares Aznar Eduardo with Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot (by L’Arc de Triomphe in fifth.

Photo credits Simone Ferraro/CONI