Giulia leads home-side whitewash in Kep Italia Speed

24 may 2025

Giulia Martinengo Marquet, the longtime queen of Italian showjumping, topped a one-two-three podium for Italy in the Kep Italia Speed event as day three of CSIO Rome 2025 got underway this morning at sun-drenched Piazza di Siena.

Compatriot Davide Vitale set the early target when tenth to go with Lester who stopped the clock in 60.79 seconds, but Lorenzo De Luca, 28th of the 44 starters in this class, pushed this pair off pole position when galloping home with Aphrodite Van Spalbeek Z in 59.16 to take over the lead.

Their advantage didn’t last long however because when Martinengo Marquet and Coynor followed them into the ring they set off like they were on fire and raced home in 57.10 seconds to go well out in front.

It seemed unlikely that would be bettered, but the game wasn’t up until last man into the ring, Brazil’s Stephen de Freitas Barcha, set sail with Chevaux Hex Lup Imperio Egiipicio, the horse with which he won Thursday’s Two-Phase competition.

This time out however his 16-year-old gelding threw in a stop to put the result beyond doubt. And Martinengo Marquet’s smile was as wide as a mile.

Coming back

“I’m so happy about this win, more because my horse is coming back from an injury, he was out for a while. He was doing really good before the injury happened so I’m so happy to feel him this way again!”, she said.

Conyor was out of international action for a full year but is clearly well recovered and thoroughly enjoying his job once again.

“He jumped many Grand Prix competitions before, but here the idea was to have him back in a good atmosphere. He did some smaller shows to bring him back and get fit to compete, but I thought it was good to take him here to Rome. And on top of that he’s super competitive, so winning is the cherry on the cake!”, she said.

She was full of confidence when she cantered into the arena this morning. “I knew he could win. He’s super careful and has a massive stride so this round was perfect for him. I could take out strides everywhere, and that’s makes me very happy!”, she added.

ph. Fise/Massimo Argenziano