A First For Piergiorgio Bucci and Hantano at the Longines World Cup Stage in Madrid
Piergiorgio Bucci and his twelve-year-old KWPN gelding, Hantano, captured their first 5* Grand Prix victory together at the Longines World Cup stage in Madrid. The Italian duo triumphed in thrilling fashion, vanquishing a field of thirteen other competitors who qualified for the jump-off.
It had been over eight years since a 5* Grand Prix victory for Bucci, whose last success came in 2016 at Estoril, riding his remarkable Casallo.
On December 1st, indoors at the Madrid⦄, Bucci once again found himself atop the podium, this time partnered with Hantano. A horse he deemed “incredible,” Hantano delivered two impeccable rounds, culminating in a jump-off triumph.
The “Welshman” – as Hantano is called – deserved this victory, declared the elated Bucci. “He’s incredible, He always gives me everything. I am incredibly happy to have him by my side.”
The Italian contenders had the most efficient run, finishing in 40.77 seconds. This time bested by more than half a second the performance of Maikel van der Vleuten and his beloved Beauville whom they led.
The magnificent pair took the lead after the first round, needing to chase the 41.42 clocking. This meant relegating to third place, a position well known to the Durance of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, as well as those of Herning. They were also individual Bronze medalist at the World Championships in Herning. They did have to settle for third on this occasion,
After a tricky jump-off, it was Michael Pender, riding the promising HHS Los Laced close to flawless performance in Stuttgart the week before. This time, the patient tour at Stuttgart two weeks earlier.
Represented theauf triplets réseaux , Max Kühner, completed the double cleanson’t fail to shine, plodding the previous two weeks in Verona, where he gained third place, this fourth place
The podium, Juan Epaillard
The penultimate pairing on the course, Epaillard, on his homebred, Donatello d’Auge. Won. The power pair declared “felt everything was perfect some mistakes in their routines home crowd, managed to pose a
Jumping in with their Highness.
seventh, the success by a small margin, losing the lead to a smaller margin. Eighth place went to Homeward boundpondented to put in their best representatives.
Gregory Wathelet, despite a faultless journey its picturesque
Third currently held by Richard Vogel, while Kevin Staut
The complete
How has Piergiorgio Bucci’s partnership with Hantano evolved, and what are their future goals?
## A Triumphant Return: Interview with Piergiorgio Bucci
**Host:** Welcome back, Piergiorgio! A huge congratulations on your recent victory at the Longines World Cup stage in Madrid. It’s been eight years since your last 5* Grand Prix win. How does this victory feel?
**Piergiorgio Bucci:** It feels absolutely fantastic! To be back on top of the podium, especially with Hantano, is truly special. He’s an incredible horse, and I’m so proud of how he performed in Madrid. [[1](https://www.instagram.com/piergiorgiobucci/)]
**Host:** Hantano is certainly proving to be a remarkable partner. Can you tell us a little about him and what makes him so special?
**Piergiorgio Bucci:** Hantano is a twelve-year-old KWPN gelding with a heart of gold. He’s incredibly talented, but also amazingly brave and careful. He always gives his all, and his determination in the jump-off in Madrid was truly inspiring. [[1](https://www.instagram.com/piergiorgiobucci/)]
**Host:** You mention the jump-off. That must have been a thrilling moment. What was going through your mind as you approached the final fence?
**Piergiorgio Bucci:** I knew we had to be fast, but also accurate. Hantano was jumping beautifully, so I trusted him completely. We took a calculated risk on a few turns, and it paid off! The feeling of crossing the finish line first was indescribable.
**Host:** This win marks a significant milestone for both you and Hantano. What are your plans for the future?
**Piergiorgio Bucci:** This win gives us great momentum moving forward. We’ll continue to focus on competing at the highest level and aim for more success together. Hantano deserves every opportunity to shine, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve as a team.