CSIO ROMA PIAZZA DI SIENA: ELEGANCE AMONGST TRADITION

CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena is recognized as one of the most beautiful horse shows on the international equestrian calendar, staged in the magnificent Villa Borghese gardens in the Italian capital from 25–28 May. The four-day event will showcase intense competition from the best horse and rider combinations on the show jumping circuit, concluding on Sunday 28 May with the 5* Rolex Gran Premio Roma.

The show has a rich history, with roots dating back more than a century. Combining elegance and style with world-class sport and athleticism, it attracts competitors from around the world. Rolex became Official Timekeeper of the show, as well as Title Sponsor of the esteemed Grand Prix, the Rolex Gran Premio Roma, in 2018.

Much like Rolex in its own pursuit of perpetual excellence, the organizers have striven for continuous improvement since the show’s inception in 1922, ensuring the event’s stature as one of the most revered in the equestrian calendar, and in 2018, the 18th century oval was re-grassed returning it to its original splendour. As well as the Rolex Gran Premio Roma, the show hosts a Nations Cup, a prestigious team competition featuring the best show jumpers from across the world representing their countries.

Rolex has been a committed partner of equestrianism for more than 60 years, dating back to 1957 when pioneering British show jumper Pat Smythe became the sport’s first Testimonee. The brand’s contribution to excellence in equestrianism encourages modernization while respecting the traditions and elegance of the sport. In addition to supporting world-class events and initiatives, Rolex partners with the sport’s most outstanding athletes, who personify the expertise and accuracy of the brand through their historic achievements.

The Rolex Gran Premio Roma has been won by some of the best show jumping horse and rider combinations in the history of the sport, with previous winning riders including Rolex Testimonees Rodrigo Pessoa in 2009, and Eric Lamaze in 2011 and 2014.

This year, several Rolex Testimonees will travel to the Eternal City with hopes of etching their names into the history books of CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena. Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs will be looking to emulate his uncle Markus Fuchs, who won the prestigious Grand Prix in 2001, but will face stiff competition from former World No.1 Daniel Deusser from Germany.

 

ROLEX GRAND PRIX WINNERS

2022 *Denis Lynch (IRL), Brooklyn Heights

2021 *David Will (GER), C Vier 2

2019 *Daniel Bluman (ISR), Ladriano Z

2018 *Lorenzo De Luca (ITA), Halifax van het Kluizebos

2017 Jur Vrieling (NED), VDL Glasgow vh Merelsnest

2016 McLain Ward (USA), HH Azur

2015 Henrik von Eckermann (SWE), Cantinero

2014 Eric Lamaze (CAN), Zigali P S

2013 Nick Skelton (GBR), Big Star

2012 Ludger Beerbaum (GER), Gotha FRH

2011 Eric Lamaze (CAN), Hickstead

2010 McLain Ward (USA), Sapphire

2009 Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), HH Let’s Fly

 

*Denotes Rolex Grand Prix

(Names in bold denote Rolex Equestrian Testimonees)

ABOUT ROLEX AND EQUESTRIANISM

With over a century of knowledge and expertise in watchmaking, Rolex is driven by tradition and craftsmanship, along with innovation and a passion for perfection. These values are reflected in the brand’s support of equestrianism. For 65 years, Rolex has cultivated an enduring legacy with this elite world and is now a major presence at play behind the finest riders, competitions and institutions.

The brand’s contribution to excellence in equestrianism is based on this heritage, encouraging modernization while respecting the elegance of this prestigious sport. Whether supporting leading athletes, the historic CHIO Aachen in Germany or the iconic Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Rolex has built on a relationship that began in 1957, through an alliance with British show jumper Pat Smythe. A pioneer in equestrianism, she became the brand’s first equestrian Testimonee.