Marlon Modolo Zanotelli races to victory in Rome on day one of the Longines Global Champions Tour
Riders went head to head on the first day of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Rome in the iconic Circus Maximus for the CSI5* 1.45m speed class, setting the tone for an epic weekend of competition to come.
Marlon Modolo Zanotelli took an early lead on the opening day of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Rome. The Brazilian rider raced to victory, posting an unbeatable time of 55.28 seconds with 10 year old Zy-Zento. Close behind was France’s Gregory Cottard aboard Gammelgaards Carola who set the bar high early on in the class with a time of 55.85, ultimately claiming second place. Fellow countryman Edward Levy left it all in the ring, soaring across the course aboard Lyon van de Plataan to secure third, stopping the clock at 56.59 seconds.
“I am very pleased with the win today,” said Zanotelli to GCTV, “He is an amazing horse. He is so careful and he is the type of ride I love to have. It was a course where you didn’t have really to go full speed was a lot of short turns, row backs. He’s a masterclass on that.” The beaming Brazilian rider went on to say, “The venue is just amazing, I love coming to this show in Rome and the city its self. I just love the feeling here and I think that’s also reflected in the ring.”
An ancient Roman chariot racing stadium, the Circus Maximus was constructed in the sixth century BCE. Positioned between the Palentine and Aventine Hills in the centre of ancient Rome, the LGCT returns to this incredible venue for the fourth year with not a spare seat in the arena to enjoy the top sport and entertainment.
Over forty riders took to the arena on day one to tackle the course built by the talented local hero Uliano Vezzani. Putting the pressure on early in the class with a lightning fast time, riders knew they needed to go full gas if they wanted a chance to better Zanotelli’s time.
| However, some top combinations like Christian Kukuk aboard Just be Gentle, Christian Ahlmann riding Otterongo Alpha Z, and John Whitaker aboard Sharid decided to make the most of the opening class and save their power for the days to come. Irish show jumping star Denis Lynch looked calm and confident as he started on course. Lynch made it look easy with Rubens LS la Silla, securing a top five finish on the opening day in Rome. Looking to secure a win on home turf, Giacomo Casadei took no prisoners as he flew across the course. The young gun from Italy secured fourth place aboard Corradiena van’t Klein Asdonkz, the highest placing for the home country. Spain’s Eduardo Alvarez Azner looked to be on the hunt for a win as he navigated the course aboard Made In’t Ruytershof. The Spanish rider made quick work of the course but a rail on the Lugano oxer dashed his hopes of a win. Top riders such as Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli and Deesse de Coquerie, Jane Richard riding Molly Mallone Z, David Will riding Zaccorado Blue, and Edwina Tops-Alexander aboard Uppercourt Cappuccino all came home clear, starting the weekend on a high note as they prepare for tomorrow’s GCL of Rome. The Longines Global Champions Tour of Rome promises an epic weekend of competition as riders vie for glory in the ancient Circus Maximus. You won’t want to miss a moment of this incredible weekend, offering a perfect blend of entertainment and sport. For those who can’t join us in the Eternal City, tune into GCTV to witness all of the action live and on demand from Rome. |
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