In the highly competitive world of international show jumping, the partnership between Scuderia 1918 Calle Deluxe and Giulia Martinengo Marquet has been one of steady progress, culminating in impressive results on the global stage.
After the stunning performance of the combination at the Stuttgart German Masters, it’s time to explore the development of Scuderia 1918 Calle Deluxe under the saddle of Giulia Martinengo Marquet, highlighting key milestones, statistical trends, and their journey towards becoming one of the most formidable combinations in the sport.
1. The Early Stages: Talent Meets Opportunity
Calle Deluxe, a 2012 Holsteiner gelding by Cesano II, started to show his potential early on. Under the careful training and expert riding of Giulia Martinengo Marquet, the horse quickly transitioned from promising young talent to a consistent performer in high-level competitions. In 2021, Calle Deluxe was competing primarily at the CSI3* level, delivering solid performances but still developing the experience needed for more challenging courses.
Giulia, a seasoned rider known for her strategic approach and sharp instincts, recognized Calle Deluxe’s potential and steadily nurtured it.
2. A Breakthrough Year: 2022
The year 2022 marked a significant breakthrough for Calle Deluxe. The pair began competing in 4* and 5* international classes, a major step up from their previous competitions. A standout performance came in St. Tropez, where they claimed 1st place in the CSI5* 1.50m class. This victory demonstrated Calle Deluxe’s ability to handle the pressure and technicality of top-tier events.
Further evidence of their growth was seen in Piazza di Siena, where they achieved a 2nd place finish in the CSIO5* 1.50m class, competing against some of the best riders and horses in the world.
3. A Transition Year: 2023
In 2023, Calle Deluxe gained diverse experiences in international competitions, strengthening both his physical and mental skills.
The Morocco Royal Tour in October 2023 saw another impressive finish, with a 3rd place in the CSIO4-W* 1.50m jump-off in Rabat. These results reflect not only the horse’s adaptability to different arenas and challenges but also Giulia’s tactical prowess, which was key to navigating tight courses and managing competition pressure.
4. Reaching the Top: 2024
By 2024, Calle Deluxe was a regular presence in CSI5* Grand Prix competitions, a testament to the horse’s maturity and readiness for the toughest courses. One of the most significant victories came further solidifying their reputation as one of the top-performing duos in the sport.
One of the most significant victories came further solidifying their reputation as one of the top-performing duos in the sport.
- In 2024, they won the Italian National Championship in Cervia.
- A solid 4th place finish in the Falsterbo Grand Prix.
- They were part of the winning Italian Team for the third time in the Longines EEF Series 2024 Final. Italy had previously won the title in 2021 and 2022, also with Calle Deluxe and Giulia Martinengo on the team.
The crucial impact of Giulia Martinengo Marquet’s expertize
Giulia’s rise in the FEI world rankings mirrors Calle Deluxe’s growth. In 2024, she had entered the top 60 riders globally, a significant achievement that showcases her dedication, skill, and the impact of her partnership with Calle Deluxe.
Giulia’s experience, combined with her sharp tactical mind, has allowed her to consistently perform at a high level competitions.
“It is amazing his versatility in the type of competitions and fields: indoor or outdoor, sand or grass… he is simply a horse that is always positive, constant and very competitive”
“Calle is a horse with a formidable character that puts the rider in a position where he can be completely relied upon. He is always by my side, no matter how tough the competition is. The proof was this weekend in Stuttgart, where he participated in different competitions with fantastic competitiveness”.