Lorenzo De Luca, recently back as best Italian rider in the FEI ranking (he is 31st overall), will be taking part in the CSI5*-W in Verona for the 11th time. Since his debut in 2013, he has collected 5 victories and a 4th place in the Grand Prix in 2017 with Halifax Van Het Kluizebos.
«This year I am competing with Curcuma Il Palazzetto, Carloson 86 and Violino Il Palazzetto. Curcuma is making its comeback to competition after competing last September in Saint Tropez, and Violino placed third in the GP 4* in Saint Lô at the end of October».
What will it be your choice for Sunday’s GP?
«I will ride Curcuma that pleased me in the first competition here in Verona».
De Luca, 37, born in Puglia, then talks enthusiastically about Denver de Talma, the 11-year-old chestnut Selle Français who has become his best horse.
«In Lyon, in the GP, Denver de Talma scored an excellent clear round, then in the barrage I jeopardised everything with an impossible turn to tackle the second fence. I’ve been riding him since September and since I’ve been presenting him in the 5*s he’s been performing at an excellent level on a regular basis. I really think he’s the best horse I’ve ever been entrusted with».
Focus on Lorenzo De Luca
Lorenzo De Luca is the equestrian representative of the best made in Italy. Competent, attentive, undoubtedly capable, his professionalism is always highly appreciated, even abroad. He began to make a name for himself at a very young age, first in his home town of Lecce, under the invaluable guidance of his instructor Gianni Negro, and then by moving to Modena. With a good national reputation, in 2013 he received an irresistible offer from Stephan Conter, owner of the Stephex Stables in Belgium. With the technical support of the Dutchman Henk Nooren, De Luca’s career took a definite turn for the better during his stay in Wolvertem. The collaboration lasted until October 2021, when Lorenzo felt the need for more “independence”. For two years he collaborated with the British Poden Farms and then he ‘went out on his own’ and went back to Belgium, this time with his own stable in Moerzeke.
