In the magnificent scenery of Rome it was Brazil's Marlon Modolo Zanotelli and his 10-year-old NRPS-gelding, Zy-Zento (Zento) who jumped to victory in Friday's 1.45m CSI5* main class. Zanotelli and José Maria (Jr.) Larocca's gelding were just a tiny bit faster as France's Gregory Cottard.
“I am very pleased with the win today,” said Zanotelli to GCTV, “He is an amazing horse. He is so careful and he is the type of ride I love to have. It was a course where you didn’t have really to go full speed was a lot of short turns, row backs. He’s a masterclass on that.” The beaming Brazilian rider went on to say, “The venue is just amazing, I love coming to this show in Rome and the city its self. I just love the feeling here and I think that’s also reflected in the ring.”
Zanotelli speeded to the win with the 10-year-old black gelding, leaving Gregory Cottard and Gammelgaards Carola (Companiero) in the runner-up position. Compatriot, Edward Levy completed the stage aboard his 13-year-old BWP-stallion, Lyon van de Plataan (Kashmir van Schuttershof).
In front of the home crowd, Italy's Giacomo Casadei and the 10-year-old Zangersheide-mare, Corradiena van 't Klein Asdonk Z (Cornet Obolensky) followed before, Denis Lynch and Rubens LS La Silla (Hh Rebozo).