Matteo Riva Triumphs at Piazza di Siena with an Avantea Mare
A Landmark Victory for Matteo Riva and a Mare Born Through Avantea’s OPU-ICSI Technology
Against the prestigious backdrop of the 100th edition of Piazza di Siena and the 93rd CSIO of Rome, the FISE/MASAF Young Horse Master Talent Finals took place on Sunday, 31 May, bringing together some of Italy’s most promising six- and seven-year-old sport horses for one of the most eagerly anticipated competitions on the national breeding and young horse calendar.
Victory in the six-year-old final went to Matteo Riva aboard Kiss and Fly, a bay mare born in 2020 by Chacco Blue out of Biancaspina. The pair delivered two faultless rounds, stopping the clock at 46.57 seconds to claim the top spot by the narrowest of margins ahead of Roberto Previtali and Exclusive Z (46.92 seconds), followed by Federico Bellin and U’Re So Special De Venti (47.15 seconds).
Beyond its sporting significance, the victory also represents an important achievement in the field of equine breeding. Kiss and Fly was born through the OPU-ICSI reproductive technology employed by Avantea, a European leader in equine reproductive biotechnology.
“Kiss & Fly is by the outstanding stallion Chacco-Blue. She was born thanks to Avantea’s reproductive technologies, and without OPU-ICSI, it would simply not have been possible to breed her.”
Matteo Riva
The triumph on Piazza di Siena’s iconic grass arena offers a compelling illustration of how advanced reproductive technologies are helping shape the next generation of sport horses, while enabling breeders to preserve and develop valuable bloodlines.
Completing the podium in the six-year-old final were Roberto Previtali with Exclusive Z and Federico Bellin with U’Re So Special De Venti. Massimiliano Ferrario secured fourth place aboard Asso di Cuori, while Antonino Sottile finished fifth with Brillante degli Assi.
Kiss and Fly thus adds her name to the roll of honour of the 2026 FISE/MASAF Young Horse Master Talent, with a victory that brings together sporting excellence, breeding expertise and technological innovation in one of Italian equestrian sport’s most celebrated arenas.
Lorenzo Correddu and Deboi Claim the Seven-Year-Old Title
In the seven-year-old final, victory went to Lorenzo Correddu aboard Deboi, following an impeccable double-clear performance completed in 44.83 seconds.
The result also carries particular significance for Avantea, as the Correddu family has maintained a longstanding collaboration with the Cremona-based centre on its equine breeding and reproduction programmes.
Although Deboi was not conceived through OPU-ICSI, his success reflects the dedication and expertise of a breeding operation that has consistently invested in innovation and the genetic development of its horses. The victory at Piazza di Siena marks another important milestone for a family whose commitment to breeding excellence continues to translate into outstanding results in the competition arena.
Representing the Italian Army Sports Centre, Correddu finished ahead of Maria Salvini and Temporanea 124131, who secured second place with a double-clear performance in 49.34 seconds.
Third place went to Filippo Martini di Cigala aboard Jedi des Chaines, with the combination completing the second round on four faults.
Just outside the podium, Marco Ciucci finished fourth with Jaguar Star del Fontanile, while Gianluca Macchiarella took fifth aboard Temporanea 127645.
The seven-year-old final further highlighted the exceptional standard of young horses competing at Piazza di Siena, providing a prestigious platform for the emerging talent set to shape the future of Italian show jumping.
Alessandra Ceserani
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