Samantha McIntosh saw out the CSIO5* Piazza di Siena in Rome in style, finishing second with Estina in the accumulator. Also making the top 10 was Lisa Cubitt aboard Encore – both women were rapt.

“Estina was a star this morning,” said McIntosh. “She has been waiting all weekend for this class, so she really made it count. It topped off a fantastic week for me.”

Cubitt was equally as ecstatic for the efforts of her nine-year-old mare – a horse she had never sat on before Thursday. “She has never jumped anything like this before,” said Cubitt. “It was an incredible feeling to jump a clear round in that arena. I had to switch to plan B as she faltered a bit on the footing, so wasn’t as smooth or quick as I had planned, but I am very happy to finish the show on a good result. She only had one fence down all show.”

The class was won by Niklaus Rutschi (SUI) and Carassina, who came home in 41.97, with McIntosh stopping the clock at 43.85 and Cubitt at 48.41.

In the Rolex Grand Prix Roma, Daniel Meech and Fine placed 33rd in the 49-strong field after picking up 13 faults in the opening round.

“I am very happy with Fine’s round today,” said Meech. “She jumped really well and easy. It was a huge track and another step up from the Nations Cup. It is a giant learning curve and I’m really happy to have represented New Zealand at one of the greatest shows in the world. Thanks to all of the Kiwis who made the trip to support us, and of course our crews. I can’t wait for St Gallen.”

This morning, 13 combinations came back for the second round where just three were all clear. The day – probably fittingly – belonged to Italian rider Lorenzo de Luca and Halifax Van Het Kluizebos who stopped the clock at 45.37 seconds, with Bertram Allen (IRE) and Hector Van D’Abdijhoeve right behind him on 45.97 with Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) aboard Inca Boy Van’T Vianahof third in 51.37.

The horse details:
Estina – owned by Lakeridge Equestrian
Encore – owned by Spencer Golding
Fine – owned by AB Kastanjegärden and Daniel Meech

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By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
28th May 2018