After an exceptional season marked by two Rolex Grand Prix victories at Rolex Series events and a fourth-place finish at the World Championships in Aachen, Piergiorgio Bucci arrives at the Brussels Stephex Masters with confidence and ambition.

The Italian rider first fulfilled a childhood dream by winning the Rolex Gran Premio Roma at his home show, before following it up with another prestigious victory in the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule. Now, as he prepares to return to one of his favourite events, Bucci has his sights set on another major title: the Rolex Grand Prix presented by Audi at the Brussels Stephex Masters.

You’re returning to the Brussels Stephex Masters this year. What makes this event special for you, and what are you looking forward to most?

“Brussels is a very special place for me. I try to participate every year. It’s one of the nicest venues, and the atmosphere, the crowd and the organization are always among the best. It’s definitely one of those Grands Prix that every rider wants to have on their calendar.”

You’ve already won two Rolex Grands Prix within the Rolex Series. What do those victories represent for you in your career?

“They mean the world to me. One of them was at my home show in Rome. As I always say, winning there had been my biggest dream since I was a kid, and to achieve it this year, on the 100th anniversary of Piazza di Siena, was something very, very special.

“Then came La Baule. To win there straight after Rome was incredible. I couldn’t believe for several days that it had actually happened.”

What would it mean to add the Rolex Grand Prix in Brussels to your list of victories?

“It would mean a lot to me because, as I said, Brussels is one of my favourite shows. I have huge respect for Stephan and the whole Conter family, and for everyone behind this event. For many years, they helped me to participate, even when I was much further down the rankings.

“I would love to give something back to Stephan and, in a way, show him that he was right to believe in me. So winning here would be very special, and I will definitely do my very best to make it happen.”

Which horses are you planning to bring to Brussels? Do you already know which one you would like to ride in the Rolex Grand Prix, and what are your goals for the week?

“I’m coming with Pallieter VD N.Ranch, the horse I won Rome with. I’ll also bring CasaliaDG, a nine-year-old mare who is still a little green but is really, really good, and Istanbul Du Cedre for the CSI3*.

“I’m planning to ride Pallieter VD N.Ranch in the Rolex Grand Prix. He’s my best horse at the moment, so of course the goal is to arrive in the best possible shape and try to do our very best.”

Two Rolex Grand Prix victories already… Can we say you’re coming to Brussels Stephex Masters for number three?

“Absolutely, yes! It’s definitely a Grand Prix I’m really looking forward to. I’m coming to Brussels to do my very best and try to win it.”