The first stage of this fourth edition of the Italian Champions Tour saw the Dante Arena at the Arezzo Equestrian Centre host a total of 28 competing teams divided – for the first time – into two circuits: sport and pro. After two days of exciting performances by horses and riders separated by split seconds, the Poggi Team won the Sport Circuit, while the Co.Ge srl Team took the Pro prize.
SPORT CIRCUIT
The event, featuring some of the finest Italian and European riders, culminated with victory for Federico Ciriesi riding Quincy Juice – who also topped the individual classification – and Guido Franchi riding Esmeralda del Colle who extraordinary performances saw them come out in front of Team Poggi as regards the total points needed to grab first place. Next came Equipe Selleria Group with Nico Lupino riding Fabalia and Davide Kanich on Naomi Z, and Crivelli Gioelli with Gianni Govoni in the saddle with Carte Blanche and Jane Richard riding Fouego De La Closiere, respectively taking second and third places on the podium. Fourth and fifth places in this first stage went to Givova Team and Picotto Group Jumping Team. Natale Chiaudani with Cintender and Antonio Campanelli with Diamant Della Verdina collected 13 points, while Breen Shane and Giulia Picotto, riding Cato Boy and Armani Z, scored 12.
PRO CIRCUIT
The absolute début of this circuit – exclusively for riders of all ages with 1st and 2nd degree certificates – attracted 12 teams competing over the same terrain as the great champions right to the last hundredth of a second. The Co.Ge SRL Team Pro came out on top, with Jannie Canovillriding Flash-Somara and Vittoria Torraca riding Companion. Their two fantastic rides left the Dex Team Pro with Ludovica Meschini on Gino Las Vegas S and Chiara Simonetti Note with Fameus in second place with 19 points. Nicolò Martini on Sealord and Maria Carolina Scardaoni on Cocaquick PS 2 for the Hop Age Handtmann II Team Pro claimed third place on the podium with 19 points. Fourth and fifth places went respectively to The Flying Grimaldi Team Pro and Horo Team Pro and their male and lady riders: Guido Grimaldi on Gerardo-E with Emanuele Grimaldi riding Godory JR for The Flying Grimaldi Team Pro scored 17 points – thanks to victory in heat 2 – while Charlotte Maccagnani and Roberto Consumati riding Bracken Du Kyo and Deja Vu posted 16 points.
The overall rankings at the end of these two days of great sport saw Team Poggi win the Sport Circuit with 17 points, followed closely – 15 and 14 points – by Gruppo Selleria Equipe and Crivelli Gioielli, while for the Co.Ge S.r.l. Team stood out in the Pro circuit with 22 points, followed by Dex Team Pro and Hop Age Handtmann II Team Pro – both with 19 points – take second and third places on the provisional podium.
After the first stage in Arezzo, all our attention will now turn to Rome where – 24-25 May – the oval Piazza di Siena is home to the second of the 4 scheduled stages. The event then continues 25-26 October on the Adriatic coast at San Giovanni in Marignano, before concluding with the final in Verona at Fieracavalli itself, during the 126th edition scheduled 7-10 November 2024.
