THE Italian nation’s show jumping sweetheart Lorenzo de Luca once again thrilled his home crowd when he raced to victory in the five-star €350,000 Rolex Grand Prix at the Piazza Di Siena in Rome, where Wexford’s Bertram Allen finished runner-up with Hector van d’Abdijhoeve.

Some 49 combinations started over Uliano Vezzani’s track, and eight of those managed to keep a clear sheet. Five of the four-faulters also went through to make it a competitive 13-horse jump-off. Early to go in the jump-off, America’s McLain Ward posted the quickest time of the class, but as he was carrying four faults from the first round, had to settle for fourth place with HH Azur.