It was a rollercoaster of emotions, but in the end, Italy emerged victorious! On September 8th in the four-star CSIO in Warsaw, Italy clinched the Nations Cup final of the European Equestrian Federation for the third time, adding to their triumphs from 2021 and 2022. As the saying goes, third time’s a charm!
The competition kept us on the edge of our seats. Italy and Ireland were neck and neck throughout, taking the battle all the way to a tense jump-off. Both teams showed exceptional skill and determination, and regardless of the result, they proved their worth in this showdown.
Italy ended the first round with a clean slate, recording zero penalties thanks to brilliant clear rounds from Giulia Martinengo Marquet on Scuderia 1918 Calle Deluxe, Alberto Zorzi on Cortez van het Klein Asdonk Z, and Emanuele Camilli on Chacco’s Girlstar. With these performances, Piergiorgio Bucci and Hantano were able to sit out the first round, having just come off a great showing in last week’s Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Rome.
The second round started with a frustrating error from Giulia Martinengo Marquet and Calle, though Ireland’s first combination also picked up 4 faults. The momentum shifted again when Alberto Zorzi delivered a breathtaking clear round—his second flawless performance of the day, and the only rider to achieve a double-clear in the entire competition! This sent a wave of excitement through the Italian camp, especially as Ireland’s second rider also incurred 4 faults. But tension mounted when Emanuele Camilli, despite his strong earlier performance, made two costly errors, while Ireland’s third rider posted a clear round, suddenly putting Italy’s chances at risk.
Then came Piergiorgio Bucci and Hantano, a pair seemingly destined to secure Italy’s victory. Ireland’s fourth combination finished with 8 faults, meaning Italy had a potential total of 4 penalties versus Ireland’s 8. All Bucci needed was a clear round to seal the deal. It looked like a sure thing—right up until the final fence. And then, heartbreak—4 penalties for Italy. The competition was headed to a jump-off!
With everything on the line, team coach Marco Porro chose Bucci and Hantano to ride in the deciding jump-off. Ireland’s Seamus Hughes Kennedy on ESI Rocky went first, delivering a fast and clean round, stopping the clock at 42.42 seconds. There was no room for error for Bucci. In a display of incredible experience, skill, and composure, Bucci navigated each fence with precision, setting up tight turns to shave off valuable time. Hantano crossed the finish line clear in 41.73 seconds—securing the win for Italy!
We are honored to support our Animo riders, Piergiorgio Bucci and Emanuele Camilli, whose exceptional performances continue to make us proud.
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