Equestrianism: Home win delights the Italians

ARNALDO BOLOGNI gave the Romans a perfect ending to their international horse show yesterday when he became the first Italian to win the Grand Prix since Piero d'Inzeo rode Easter Light to victory back in 1975.

Bologni, riding the New Zealand- bred May Day, was the fourth of five riders to jump off in the mellow evening sunshine of the Piazza di Siena. He took the lead with a wonderfully fast, clear round, leaving only Britain's Nick Skelton on Everest Dollar Girl with the possibility of preventing an Italian victory. The crowds could not contain their shouts of joy when Skelton's mare made a single mistake and then finished in fourth place.

Two young British riders, John Popely on Bluebird and Warren Clarke on Benjamin Benjumin, performed creditably with two mistakes apiece in the opening round. Popely had been clear until the 11th of the 13 fences but then had the 12th down as well. Michael Whitaker retired Monsanta after two early mistakes.

ROME HORSE SHOW: Grand Prix of Rome: 1 May Day (A Bologni, It) clear, 34.91sec; 2 Twist du Valon (H Godignon, Fr) clear, 36.11; 3 Herrmann's Ascalon (O Becker, Ger) clear, 36.32; 4 Everest Dollar Girl (N Skelton, GB) 4 faults, 37.25; 5 San Patrignano Miss (M Robert, Fr) 8 faults, 34.80. Other British: 24 Benjumin (W Clarke) 8 faults in 1st round, 82.37; 27 Bluebird (J Popely) 8 faults, 84.49; 42 Secret Pride (M Lanni) 20.5 faults. Premio Toto Calcio: 1 Omnistor Loreen (J-C Vangeenberghe, Bel) 28pts, 64.45; 2 Tunique AC Folien (T Fuchs, Swit) 27, 60.44; 3 Marble City (A Bologni, It) 27, 62.14. Best Briton: 8 Timo (W Clarke) 24, 66.01.