Jessica Mendoza leads the way into Round Two of LGCT Rome

It was a case of the young stars of show jumping leading the way, as Jessica Mendoza (GBR) leads the way with her enthusiastic horse Spirit T into the second round of the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Rome. With yesterday’s clears carried through, Jos Verlooy (BEL) and his grey stallion Caracas also joined those through, as did home rider Gianni Govoni (ITA) with Antonio. The resumed first round course proved a tough test for the world’s best with many rolling a pole in all areas of the course.

Young talent shone through, as Philip Houston (GER) with Loewenherz were the second fastest of the pack, and Alberto Zorzi (ITA) with Fair Light van't Heike also joined those on clear to the delight of the crowd. The Championship battle looked to take an interesting turn after Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) had an unlucky pole with Caretina de Joter, but just scraped through on four faults and will be first to go in round two. Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE) and them mighty Casall ASK jumped a beautiful clear to set themselves up well for round two, and will be joined by Simon Delestre (FRA) with Chesall, Harrie Smolders (NED) and Don VHP Z, Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani (QAT) with Carolina 31, Ludger Beerbaum (GER) with Chiara, Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) with VDL Groep Arera C clear, and Bertram Allen (IRL) with Hector van d’Abdijhoeve, Pilar Lucrecia Cordon (ESP) with Nuage Bleu, Denis Lynch (IRL) with All Star 5, Abdullah Al Sharbatly (KSA) with Talan all through on four faults.

Italian fans will be treated to four home riders in round two, with Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) and Caspar 232 and Piergiorgio Bucci (ITA) with Casallo Z joining those through on clear.