Piergiorgio Bucci made history in Madrid by clinching his first victory at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup using his 12-year-old gelding, Hantano. This win marks him as the first Italian rider to triumph in the Madrid leg of the series. The competition featured a challenging course set by Javier Trenor Paz, which tested the skills of the riders and horses through various obstacles, yet four riders managed to secure clear rounds in the initial phase.
Throughout the competition, notable figures like Julian Epaillard, Steve Guerdat, and Marcus Ehning showcased their talent with remarkable clear rounds. However, as the jump-off progressed, Bucci and Hantano gained momentum, executing a flawless performance that allowed them to outpace the leading times with a total of 40.77 seconds. Despite fierce competition and several falls throughout the course, Bucci’s mastery and the synergy with Hantano led to their success and secured him an impressive first title.
Bucci expressed immense joy in his victory and attributed much of it to Hantano’s potential and capability. With plans to shift his focus towards qualifying for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Basel 2025, he aims to continue building on this success while the Western European League progresses to its next leg in A Coruña. Currently, Kevin Staut leads the overall standings, followed by Richard Vogel and others, while Bucci ascends to a commendable position among the top riders.
