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ROMAN HOLIDAY FOR U.S. RIDERS
They laughed when George Morris, Frank Chapot, William Steinkraus and Hugh Wiley sat down in the saddle. Americans were competing in Rome's international horse show for the first time, and no one, including their coach, gave them a chance against the Italians (who had won six times in nine years) or the Germans in the Grand Prix of Nations. "The Americans are good and we wish them success," said one Italian, "but they lack the technique to come through."
But one night last week in the pine-shrouded Piazza di Siena it was the Germans, among others, who did not come through; the Italians and Americans were tied after the early marches, necessitating a barrage run, or jump-off. The outcome was in doubt until Hugh Wiley, on his formidable palomino Nautical, produced a faultless ride to give the U.S. a startling 0-8 victory. "I could hardly see the obstacles in that darkness," marveled Wiley, "but he cleared them perfectly."
Grand Prix of Nations cup is presented to Frank Chapot, on behalf of President Gronchi, by Sports Minister Umberto Tupini.
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HUGH WILEY, WHOSE MARVELOUS RIDE PRODUCED UPSET VICTORY FOR U.S., GUIDES NAUTICAL OVER THE HURDLES AT ROME
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