A STARS AND STRIPES OPENING FOR PIAZZA DI SIENA

The opening to the international meet at the Piazza di Siena was not the best for the Italian riders called on to defend the colours of the country. The winner in the opening competition, at 1.40 m was US rider McLain Ward on Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve, 52.78 over the 11 hurdles. Second place was claimed by Spain’s Jesus Germandia Echevarria on Calvaro’s Koncert, 54.03, who finished ahead of Irishman Darragh Kenny on Celano, 54.31. At the end, 25 riders out of 54 finished with a clear round, with the best Italian Fabio Brotti ninth on 60.06.