Flying Dutchman Harrie Smolders and Don VHP seized victory in a dramatic jump off as Rolf-Goran Bengtsson took over the lead of the championship race. The €391,900 class Grand Prix saw Smolders snatch the lead from his compatriot Maikel van der Vleuten and then hold on to his lead after a challenge from the final rider speedy Frenchman Simon Delestre who finished in second place. Power combinations, featuring the Top 30 ranked riders in the world, delivered a stunning display of show jumping under the blazing Italian sunshine. The passionate and knowledgeable Italian crowd were on the edge of their seats as home rider Alberto Zorzi narrowly lost out on a podium place after joining the ranks of the combinations who delivered triple clear rounds in the 1.60m class. There was disappointment for Edwina Tops-Alexander, who started the event as ranking leader, but lost out on points to close rival Rolf-Goran Bengtsson who is now five points ahead of her on the leaderboard.
