Three Italians in action at Longines FEI World Cup in London

The world’s best equestrian Christmas party returns to Olympia London. John Whitaker was a popular winner of the opening CSI5* class of the day, The Shelley Ashman International Shipping Ltd. Later in the afternoon Harrie Smolders was the only rider to complete all five rounds of The Christmas Masters faultlessly, to take the victory from Britain’s Ben Maher.
The evening performance kicked off with the FEI World Cup Driving Leg, with Ijsbrand Chardon continuing his fine form from yesterday to get maximum points.
The final class of the day, The Martin Collins Enterprises Christmas Tree Stakes, saw Bertram Allen coming out on top to deny Harrie Smolders a double on the day. The talented young Irish rider brought the evening to a thrilling close with a stunning turn of foot on new ride Gin Chin van het Lindenhof. The pair had 0.38 seconds in hand over the in-form Dutchman who looked to have the class in the bag on Cas. Third place was Simon Delestre atop of Gain Line.
The Longines FEI World Cup will be the climax of the London event, starting from 2,35pm this afternoon. Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano with Caspar, Lorenzo De Luca with Limestone Grey and Alberto Zorzi with Contanga will be in the starting list.
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photo: ©Kit Houghton/Horsepower