Montefalco: Gianluca Apolloni and Baby Arko triumph in the Grand Prix

Eighteen horse and rider combinations gathered in Montefalco for the National A 4* Grand Prix of show jumping, the second to last competition of the 2017 “Horses Le Lame Sporting Club“ calendar.
The course designed by Paolo Rossato over 1.45 m registered a unique double clear. Gianluca Apolloni riding Baby Arko starred in it. Behind him was Dario di Giamberardino with Taboulè du Meugon with one time penalty in both legs. Third-place was Paolo Pomponi with Caroso (0/4).
“Dario should have won,“ was the first thing Gianluca Apolloni said in his post-race interview. An unexpected start in his comment which aroused curiosity and request for further explanation. “Dario di Giamberardino did really well on Taboulè,“ the GP winner added. “I can only congratulate him. He is the right rider for that horse. He fits it best.“
Two stallions – one Hannover of 2006 and one selle francais of 2007 – finished respectively first and second in the standings. Capitol I against Baloubet du Rouet, in a challenge that was decided more by the timing than by the precision.
Baby Arko started his adventure with Gianluca Apolloni eight years ago. “It was my wife choosing its name,“ the horseman explained. “When it was a colt, Baby Arko looked like a mini Arko III. No name was better than this.“
The stallion joined the stables of the Roman horseman at the age of 3. “Until it was six, the horse seemed to be fit for races not over 1.35 m“ Gianuca Apolloni said. “At the age of seven it made me change my mind, despite its ups and downs on the field. The real turning point happened when it was eight, as it demonstrated to be competitive, quality and fast.“
Even though the horse was on sale, no buyer had ever found the right feeling during the trial over the years. So, with time passing and all trials failing, Baby Arko remained under the saddle of Gianluca Apolloni and grew under the pact of a mutual understanding: “To give my best I asked David Nicita for advice, I took part in the get together of Giorgio Nuti and worked with Michela Calabretta. I’m convinced that, at any level, the view from the ground makes the difference. And I’m convinced, as I was taught by Baby Arko, that every horse takes its time. And we have the duty to respect it.“
(ph. © Marco Proli)