Verona CSI*****W day two

Bernardo Alves scores his second
win of the show with Bridgit. By
Bruno de Lorenzo

By Lulu Kyriacou for Jumping Verona

Riders had another opportunity to win a share of a €50,000 prize fund when competing in day two's headline class, the Premio Antonio Carraro small Grand Prix.

Fences fell all over Rolf Luedi's course in the first round, with the first and last jumps, both oxers, causing as many problems as anything. Thirteen combinations jumped clear and for the jump-off track, Rolf cleverly left only two turns where time could be made up, so fortune really did favour those brave enough to gallop.

France's Simon Delestre started second and set an excellent standard of 36.72 seconds on Napoli Du Ry without appearing to go especially fast, although he did make very balanced turns. It was looking as if he wouldn't be caught at all, but 12th to go was the now familiar figure at the show of Bernardo Alves.

His horses Bridget turned like a polo pony to take nearly one second off the time and 35.91 seconds was good enough to give the Brazilian his second win in two days.

"Yesterday, I loved Bridget, now I love her more," laughed Bernardo, who is another €12'500 better off for his trouble. Argentina's Jose Larroca was delighted to be third on a back to his best Royal Power.

Penelope Leprevost and Belle Dame.
By Lulu Kyriacou

The result of the opening class was much more to the liking of the Italian spectators. Emanuele Gaudiano was the first to go in the 1.40 speed class and appeared to have left plenty of room for manouvre by the other riders when he stopped the clock in 58.71 seconds with his latest ride, Corian. There were only six left to go before the lead was taken from him by France's Penelope Leprevost (Belle Dame), who made a risky turn into fence eight that paid off for her. They went through the finish in 57.14 seconds.

However, the home fans did get something else to cheer about when Paulo Zuvadelli steered Rodiamond round in 57.30 seconds to take second place.

Winner Penelope is enjoying her first taste of Veronese hospitality.

"There is much less pressure on me here compared to riding in France at Lyon last week, so I can enjoy the show more," she said. "It doesn't affect Belle Dame though, it is only me that gets more tense."

A home victory for Italy's Juan Carlos
Garcia and Paulin. By Lulu Kyriacou

Italy finally got a desreved home win in the Fondaria SAI accumulator, which closed proceedings on day two.

Ten combinations scored a maximum 65 points and four of them were Italian. The fastest time went to Italy's dual silver medallist Juan Carlos Garcia (Paulin). A speedy 45.13 was good enough to hold at bay the morning's winning rider Penelope Leprevost (Myss Valette) by less than a tenth of a second.

The two riders were over a second better than their nearest pursuer, another Italian, Gianni Govoni with his new ride Star Apple. Juan Carlos and Gianni got a standing ovation from the packed stands for their efforts and the winner deserved every clap and cheer as he has been nursing a broken hand for three weeks.

"But I do not think of it," said Juan Carlos. "It is so special to win in Italy, for me this is the best feeling."

Juan Carlos received €5,000 for his efforts. Gianni was equally happy as this was only the third show he has taken Star Apple to. The other Italian prize winners were Paulo Zuvadelli, seventh on Iouri Du Moulin and Emilo Biocchi, who was 10th with Chicago van het Moleneind.

For full results, click here