A WEEK OF SPORT, HERITAGE, AND TIMELESS ELEGANCE IN THE HEART OF ROME
From today, May 21, the historic gardens of Villa Borghese come alive as the 92nd edition of the CSIO Roma – Piazza di Siena officially begins. As part of the prestigious Rolex Series, this iconic event confirms its place among the world’s most celebrated show jumping competitions — a perfect blend of tradition, sporting excellence, and Italian elegance.
With 74 athletes from 18 countries and more than 190 horses now settled in the heart of Rome, the stage is set for unforgettable days. The arrival of the horses over the past few days has brought a unique energy to Villa Borghese, as the venue prepares to welcome fans, teams, and sporting legends from across the globe.
Once again, Piazza di Siena lives up to its reputation — attracting the world’s top riders and reaffirming its enduring appeal on the international calendar.
The week’s sporting climax will be the Rolex Gran Premio Roma, taking place on Sunday, May 25. Only those who prove themselves in the three qualifying rounds — held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday — will earn a place on the start list. Designed by Uliano Vezzani, the Rolex Gran Premio Roma course promises to challenge even the best, with a test of courage, precision, and finesse, all set against the stunning Roman backdrop.
Piazza di Siena has begun — and history is ready to be written.
AN EXCEPTIONAL LINE-UP FOR THE CSIO ROMA - PIAZZA DI SIENA
The 2025 edition of the CSIO Roma - Piazza Di Siena promises to be one of the most thrilling and competitive in recent history, with a world-class line-up of 74 athletes from 18 nations — ten competing as part of national teams, and eight on an individual basis. The Piazza di Siena will welcome six of the world’s top ten riders, along with the highest-ranked female rider, American star Laura Kraut, currently 19th in the FEI rankings.
Great Britain arrives with a formidable duo: Ben Maher, world number two and Olympic gold medallist, and Scott Brash, also an Olympic champion and the only rider in history to have won the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. From Switzerland, Steve Guerdat — Olympic champion and currently ranked world number five — teams up with fellow Swiss rider Martin Fuchs, ranked sixth, both renowned for their outstanding performances and remarkable consistency. Austria’s Max Kühner (world number seven), American legend McLain Ward (world number eight), and Ireland’s Cian O’Connor, currently ranked tenth, are also among the top contenders for this year’s Rolex Gran Premio Roma.
All eyes will also be on Karl Cook, last year’s Rolex Gran Premio Roma winner, who returns to Piazza di Siena with the powerful Caracole de la Roque, determined to defend his title on Roman soil.
The Italian public will be cheering loudly for Giulia Martinengo Marquet, the country’s top-ranked rider, and for Lorenzo De Luca, winner of the Rolex Gran Premio Roma in 2018. The French team will count on Olympic bronze medallists Kevin Staut and Olivier Perreau, while a new generation of talent, including Nina Mallevaey, Zoé Conter, and Émilie Conter, is ready to make its mark.
The field also includes global icons such as Rodrigo Pessoa, Olympic champion for Brazil…With such an extraordinary gathering of champions, rising stars, and legends of the sport, the CSIO Roma - Piazza Di Siena is set to deliver a truly unforgettable moment of equestrian excellence in the magical setting of Villa Borghese.
QUALIFYING FOR THE ROLEX GRAN PREMIO ROMA
Riders hoping to secure a place in the prestigious Rolex Gran Premio Roma on Sunday, May 25, must first prove themselves across a series of key qualifying classes held throughout the week.
The qualification path includes:
Thursday, May 22:
Premio Range Rover (1.50m) – A speed class serving as the first qualifier, open to all riders.
Friday, May 23: Intesa Sanpaolo Nations Cup (1.60m) – The second qualifier, for riders competing as part of national teams. Premio ENI (1.55m) – A speed class open to individual riders not competing in the Nations Cup. The top 10 individual riders from this class will qualify for the Rolex Grand Prix.
Saturday, May 24: Trofeo Loro Piana (1.55m) – The final qualifying competition.The last opportunity to earn a place in Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Together, these classes determine the elite group of riders who will take part in the Rolex Gran Premio Roma, a competition that defines careers and honors the legacy of Piazza di Siena.
Petronella Andersson is back in Rome — aiming for another podium
Petronella Andersson (SWE) returns to Piazza di Siena this year with determination and high hopes. Competing as an individual rider, she will be looking to repeat her brilliant performance from 2024, where she claimed third place in the Rolex Gran Premio Roma.
"Obviously it's one of my favorite shows, so I'm very excited to be back this year. It’s without Team Sweden, but I'm here as an individual. I don’t have Odina Van Klapscheut with me — the mare I placed third with last year — but I’ve brought three other great horses, including Opaline de W&S, who I’m planning to ride in the Rolex Gran Premio Roma on Sunday."
For Petronella, the 2025 edition of the Rolex Gran Premio Roma is not just another date on the calendar — it’s a true challenge, one she approaches with both ambition and humility.
"It’s my first grass show of the year, but Opaline is in great shape — and I hope I am too!"
"The level of competition is incredibly high — you have the best horses and riders in the world here. But the atmosphere is always amazing, and it brings out the best in both horse and rider. That’s why we always see great sport and exciting jump-offs here in Rome."
Her goal is clear:
"First, we have to qualify, of course. But the goal is to reach Sunday and hopefully repeat a podium like last year. Hopes are high — now we just need to be ready."
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