Gaudiano Gallops to Opening CSI5* LGCT Monaco win

Emanuele Gaudiano and Carlotta powered to the first CSI5* class of the weekend in the Prix Fédération Equestre de la Principauté de Monaco, raising the curtain on the Longines Global Champions Tour of Monaco. In a fast paced two phase opener, the Italian national anthem rang out as Gaudiano took first bragging rights, finishing ahead of Nayel Nassar with Oaks Redwood, Sergio Alvarez Moya with Kardenta van 't Meerhof, and Marlon Módolo Zanotelli with Diarca PS. 

The track was built by well-known course designer, Uliano Vizzani who put together a fast-paced 1.45m two-phase course of twelve jumps. Interestingly fence four was also the final jump and there were a couple of tricky related distances which required the 41 combinations who took on the course to concentrate from start to finish.

Sergio Alvarez Moya took an early lead completing the course in 25.22 seconds leaving the pressure on the rest of the field. But Emanuele Gaudiano bettered Sergio’s time, powering effortlessly around the arena with the light-on-his-feet Carlottat, turning on a hairpin with the small and agile mare able to rocket across the sand arena. Despite a valiant effort from Nayel Nassar and Oaks Redwood Gaudiano kept hold of the top spot and took the first win of the weekend. 

GCL Monaco round one will kick off at 20.15 local time today so tune into GCTV live to find out which team will take pole position going into Saturday’s final.