Nine combinations managed to qualify this evening for the jump-off of the 1.60m LGCT Grand Prix in Monte Carlo. While Belgian competitors were out in full force throughout the final rankings, it was ultimately the Brazilian national anthem that echoed through the arena.
There is simply no stopping the success story of Piergiorgio Bucci and his Pallieter vd N. Ranch (Cornet Obolensky). After previously clinching the LGCT Grand Prix of Mexico and blowing the competition away in Rome, Bucci nearly outclassed the field once again in Monte Carlo with his grey stallion. The duo held the lead for a long time, but at the eleventh hour, Stephan de Freitas Barcha managed to edge ahead on the clock.
The Brazilian rider jumped to victory in 35.40 seconds aboard his 13-year-old SF stallion, Dinozo Imperio Egipcio (Diamant de Semilly). The pair shaved two-tenths of a second off the time set by Bucci and the Dirk Nevejant-bred stallion. Christian Ahlmann completed the top three in the saddle of Untouched LB (United Touch S).
Ahlmann was followed by Nicola Philippaerts and Tom De Craene's bred, Moya vd Bisschop (Darco). The pair, earlier this week already placed on stage in Monaco. Aboard Acadina PP Z (Asca Z), Jessica Mendoza completed the top five.
