Piazza di Siena 09

By Samantha Collins

This four day event set under the trees of Villa Borghese, is in its 77th year.. Teams competing from across the world, the tension reached a climax on Saturday afternoon when the veteran British rider Micheal Whittaker won the Puissance event. Riding Loro Piana Cyberspace, the pair were the only ones to clear an impressive 2.25m, narrowly beating Micheal Spooner (US) to earn a standing ovation from the crowd and a rare show of emotion from Micheal when he threw his hat to the ground: "I have not won a Puissance for 15 or 20 years and its a big fence for an old man" he admitted afterwards.

Friday saw the Meydan Cup, the team event over a gruelling two rounds in oppressive heat. The American Team won the event with just 4 faults, after a very close finish against the French Team in the final jump-off. Great Britain and Switzerland shared third place.

The final day will include the much anticipated Grand Prix with prize money of €200,000 up for grabs.

Check out the Rome Post Photo gallery for pictures from the event.
For more information on the event http://www.piazzadisiena.com

© Rome Post
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Internazionali d'Italia 09

© Rome Post
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Derby d'Italia