Denis Lynch Dashes to the Top in the Safe Riding Winning Round CSIO 5*

By Jumper News on 2026-05-29

Rome, Italy – May 28, 2026 – The opening competition of the 2026 CSIO 5* of Rome – Piazza di Siena – Master d’Inzeo has kicked off with the Irish national anthem this morning.

Denis Lynch (IRL) won the €29,000 Safe Riding Winning Round CSIO 5* and obstacles set of 1.45 metres with a clear round in a time of 39.27 seconds riding Conterno-Blue PS, defeating a starting field of 53.

**Rodrigo Pessoa** (BRA) & **Giorgio d’Ellipse**

The Irish rider was lightning-fast in the winning round (the second round reserved for the top ten competitors after the first round), pipping Brazilian Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), one of the most eagerly awaited riders, by a fraction of a second. Riding Giorgio d’Ellipse, Pessoa clocked a time of 39.27 seconds.

**Lorenzo de Luca** (ITA) & **Golden du Breuil**

Behind Lynch and Pessoa, two Italian riders finished in the top three: Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) and Golden du Breuil took third place (0; 39.61), while Francesca Ciriesi (ITA) and Cash Royal 4, silver medallists at the 2026 Italian Championships, took fourth place (0; 40.44).

**Denis Lynch** (IRL) & **Conterno Blue PS**

Lynch, who already had four victories at Piazza di Siena, including two Rome Grand Prix (in 2008 and 2022) and a Nations Cup (in 2023), made his intentions clear ahead of the major events this morning: “It was a good course for an opening round, and it’s always a pleasure to come to Piazza di Siena. The fact that I’ve been a regular here for at least twenty years proves it… This year, our mind is set on the Nations Cup, as we didn’t have a team last year. It’s always great to compete for your country, and that’s why we’re here. Anything extra is obviously welcome.”