Harrie Smolders (NED) is still leading the overall Longines Global Champions Tour ranking on 268 points after a stunningly consistent season, but the formidable German rider Christian Ahlmann is only 11 points behind in second place.
Young Italian star Alberto Zorzi is only two points behind Ahlmann on 255 points and both Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) and home hero Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) are threateningly close to the leaders.
It will be hot combat at the impressive Stadio dei Marmi in the Italian capital city with thousands of passionate show jumping fans filling the natural amphitheatre surrounding the 85m x 50m sand competition arena.
The high stakes Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Rome will see riders deploying phenomenal equine horse power to maximise their chance of success. Star horses in Rome include Codex One, Don VHP, Hello Forever, Chesall, Verdi and Comme Il Faut. Uliano Vezzani will set a highly technical course testing the world’s leading riders gathered for the LGCT Rome including several Simon Delestre, Scott Brash, Ludger Beerbaum, Marcus Ehning, Eric Lamaze and Daniel Deusser.
The 1.60m challenge will see 25 riders from around the world competing for precious ranking points and a slice of the €300,000 prize money. Martin Fuchs (SUI) and Marlon Zanotelli (BRA) have already shined with wins in the earlier 5* competitions in glorious sunshine in Rome.
The LGCT circuit has seen a fierce battle raging all season with regular shake ups at the top of the leader board. The world class calibre of competition continues to soar at all events on the circuit with sensational displays of power, precision and speed thrilling fans and followers around the globe.
