As the CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena celebrates its historic 100th edition, Italian rider Giulia Martinengo Marquet is enjoying a strong start to the week. Following an impressive second-place finish in Thursday’s qualifying competition, she is already looking ahead to the two major objectives of her week: representing Italy in the Nations Cup and competing in Sunday’s prestigious Rolex Gran Premio Roma.

For Martinengo Marquet, Piazza di Siena occupies a unique place in the hearts of Italian riders.

“Rome represents everything to us Italians,” she explains. “When we are children, we dream of coming here one day as riders. When it finally happens, you feel incredibly blessed. At the same time, there is an enormous amount of pressure, but in a positive way.”

The Italian rider has every reason to be confident. The three horses she brought to Rome have arrived in excellent form, particularly Scuderia 1918 Calle Deluxe, who delivered a superb performance in Thursday’s qualifier.

“He’s always so reliable and competitive,” she says. “He gave everything yesterday and I’m really thankful to him.”

Before turning her attention to Sunday, Martinengo Marquet will proudly wear the Italian colours in the Nations Cup.

“It’s what everybody wants,” she says. “I know I’m riding a superstar, Delta DeL'isle, and I hope to be as good as he is. Performing well in front of our home crowd is something very special.”

The highlight of the week remains the Rolex Gran Premio Roma, one of the most prestigious competitions in international show jumping.

“The Rolex Gran Premio Roma is always the big day,” she explains. “It’s the competition everyone is waiting for. I feel comfortable with my horse because he’s a superstar, but when you look at the field of riders here, they can all be winners. That’s the level of competition we have at a Rolex Series event.”

Now in its third year as part of the Rolex Series, the event has gained even greater stature according to the Italian rider.

“From the moment Rolex became involved, it brought something extra to a venue that was already extraordinary. An iconic place deserves special attention and Rolex has given it that. For us riders, the Rolex Grand Prix are the competitions we dream of winning when we are children. They are among the victories we cherish the most.”

Looking ahead to the remainder of the week, her focus is clear.

“Today, my priority is the team. Team competitions bring more pressure because you ride for your country. On Sunday, I ride for myself, which somehow makes it a little easier. But for now, I want to give everything for Italy.”

With her home crowd behind her and a place already secured in Sunday’s Rolex Gran Premio Roma, Giulia Martinengo Marquet will undoubtedly be one of the riders to watch during the closing days of this landmark 100th edition of the CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena.