Italian Masterclass in Budapest Secures Final Spot in Longines EEF Series

In a thrilling showdown of elite horsemanship on a fiercely competitive playing field, it was Team Italy who galloped to glory in Budapest—securing top honours in the second and final semi-final of the Longines EEF Series. With just four penalties on the board, the formidable Italian squad, led by the seasoned Giulia Martinengo Marquet and backed by the dynamic trio of Giacomo Bassi, Roberto Turchetto, and Bruno Chimirri, outclassed their rivals in style.

Germany claimed a strong second place with eight penalties, while last year’s champions, The Netherlands, took third with a total of twelve. These three nations will join Switzerland and Austria in the prestigious Series Final set for September in Avenches, Switzerland.

This year’s Longines EEF Series featured eight intense regional qualifiers across four regions, where 20 national teams battled for coveted semi-final spots. Deauville (FRA) hosted the first semi-final, featuring teams from Region South and Region West, while Budapest welcomed qualifiers from Region North and Region Central. Region Central was the most represented, with seven teams, alongside three from Region South. Guest Nations Brazil and Qatar added international flair, although they were ineligible for the Final. Now in its fifth year, the Series continues to grow in prestige, acting as a vital stepping stone between national and championship-level competition.

The Budapest semi-final took place at the iconic National Riding Hall (Nemzeti Lovarda), a cornerstone of Hungarian equestrian culture nestled in the heart of downtown. Italian course designer Elio Travagliati set a demanding CSIO3* track, reaching heights of 1m50 and testing riders throughout—particularly in the second half of the course. Under the EEF format, teams must jump the same track twice, offering invaluable experience for both horses and riders.

Over in Deauville last week, the final lineup was rounded out by Belgium, Spain, and France from Region West, alongside Sweden and Norway from Region North—setting the stage for a spectacular conclusion in Switzerland from 4-7 September.

Qualified teams for the CSIO4* Avenches FINAL are Italy from Region South and Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland and Austria from Region Central.