The opening qualification for the Rolex Gran Premio Roma took place on Thursday afternoon in the spectacular setting of Rome’s Villa Borghese, as 54 riders entered the arena for the CSI5* 1.50m against the clock.

Featuring twelve obstacles and high-level sport from start to finish, the class offered the first opportunity for riders to secure qualification for Sunday’s Rolex Gran Premio Roma.

Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts, riding Rolex Ter Leydonck, was the first to enter the arena, officially launching the competition in front of the Roman crowd.

The first clear round of the day came from promising young Irish rider Tom Wachman aboard Do It Easy, quickly followed by the first Italian rider to take to the arena, Piergiorgio Bucci, who delighted the home crowd with a faultless performance on Pallieter vd N.Ranch.

As the class unfolded, clear rounds continued to multiply, setting the stage for a highly competitive finish against the clock.

Italy ultimately dominated the podium on home soil. Victory went to Riccardo Pisani aboard Chatolinue PS, who delivered an impressive round in a winning time of 63.57 seconds. Fellow Italian rider Giulia Martinengo Marquet, riding Scuderia 1918 Calle Deluxe, secured second place in 64.81 seconds, while reigning European champion Gilles Thomas completed the podium with Qiara de Kalvarie in 65.00 seconds.

Italy’s strong performance continued throughout the class, with five Italian riders finishing inside the Top 10 of this first competition.

The tone is now set for an exciting weekend at the CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena, one of the most prestigious events on the Rolex Series calendar.