Italian victory at Longines EEF Series – third time! ‘It is gonna be an amazing memory.’

The team of Italy took it to the top spot at the European Nations Cup Final Longines EEF series, all for the third time in the history of Warsaw Jumping. And those right behind the succes were: Piergorgio Bucci with Hantano, Emanuele Camilli with Chacco’s Girlstar, Alberto Zorzi with Cortez van’t Klein Asdonk Z and Giulia Martinengo Marquet with Scuderia 1918 Calle Deluxe.

The final day of Warsaw Jumping did not miss a single note of enjoyment and failed no sporting expectation boosted throughout the previous three. Eleven top-talented European teams checked in for the final duel – to reach the top at the European Nations Cup. The eotions wiggling through the tight-filled stands around the Warsaw Jumping Arena soared right away.

Gregory Bodo, the course designer, came up with a demanding parkour, comprising 12 obstacles of 155 cm, which verified both riders and horses quite imminently. The water ditch, triple combination, and tight turns required plenty of precision and focus.

Only two teams left the first round with a clear one. The leading Italians were quite in a convenient spot, as subsequent to his teammates’ three flawless takes, Piergorgio Bucci did not even have to pop out into the arena and sustain his powers for the second attempt. Right after the Italian squad, there came the Irish, with zero penalties The third spot was well seized by the Swedish female quartet, four penalty points in the books. Germans and British right down the list – each of 8 penalties incurred. The Polish team placed themselves in the eighth position, 20 penalty points on.

Split-seconds to decide on the win

The second round confirmed what had been rumoured – the Itialians and the Irish truly arrived at WJ 2024 to give their best. Both teams cashed 8 penalties, which obviously translated into a jump-off. In order to decide how the top tier of the line-up was going to play out, Italy and Ireland were asked to nominate a single rider each to come forward for the jump-off. The Irish left the job to Seamus Hughes Kennedy, the Italians put forward Piergiorgio Bucci. Both took a clear one, the latter clocking 0,7 sec. faster, securing the top of the podium to Italians.

The Irish are always very fast. I was lucky to get the chance to watch Seamus’s round. I knew I was a bit too slow right before the final jump, so I took the risk and it went well. I am more than happiest. – said the one who lead Italy through to their ultimate victory.

Warsaw has been good for us. We were highly motivated before the event, partly because of the Italian history connected with the venue. We had already won here twice, and I was among those won here for the first time. And so I come here again, on the same horse, so trust me – it is gonna be an amazing memory! I am so glad to be here again. – Giulia Martinengo Marquet did not even try to conceal her satisfaction.

The course was highly demanding, pretty technical. After all, Gregory is a true genius at his works. My horse did pretty well in the first round, dwo knockdowns in the second one, but the final score is still fantastic. We are going to celebrate..! – beamed Emanuele Camilli.

I feel wonderful. My team were amazing and we are incredibly happy. The horse jumped suberbly, my teammates are fantastic people. So we can enjoy it now! – added Alberto Zorzi

Insatiable – as they might have felt – the Irish clearly enjoyed their second spot. It has been a great competition. It has been my first senior Nations Cup and I am glad to have experienced that right here. The course was very good and its designer did a great job. Now matter how difficult it might have seemed. – explained the young Francis Derwin, one of team members, along with: Jessica Burke, Jenny Rankin and Seamus Hughes Kennedy.

The podium was completed by Germany’s: Philip Rüping, Michael Viehweg, Maximilian Weishaupt and Mario Stevens, with 12 penalties total. The remaining two in the top five were Sweden and Great

Britain. Poles (Dawid Kubiak, Marek Lewicki, Michał Ziębicki, Maksymilian Wechta) ended up eighth, 36 penalties in total.

A top event

When we were starting here four years ago, we could not expect that this would become a top-class event. The quality of competition is absolutely high, so let me congatulate each and every one involved in the organisation of Warsaw Jumping 2024. Let me also hope to be back here next year. – stated Theo Ploegmakers, the EEF president.

The time we started here, we had many passionate people around, we just missed some experience. The award ceremony was not that easy to organise back then. Now, after four years, we seem to have professionals in every aspect of the event. It is not just top-class riders and horses arriving here, but also the people who are in charge of organisation. I could not even say what could be improved for the future. – admitted Eleonora Orraviani, director of Warsaw Jumping CSIO4*.

Out of the depth of my heart, I would like to thank our foreign guests. Congratulations to the winners. Let me thank everyone involved in the organisation of the event, the employees of the Służewiec Racecourse and the volunteers. – summed up Artur Kapelko, board member of Totalizator Sportowy.

Competition results HERE

Phot. Łukasz Kowalski