Abdel Said on Saturday became the first rider to win successive Global Champions Tour Grand Prix Doha (1.60m) title at the glorious Longines outdoor arena of Al Shaqab.
The Egyptian-born from Belgian with his trusted ride – 12-year-old bay mare Bonne Amie – swept the jump off in fine style in flawless 38.24secs for a top prize of €189,750 besides the prestigious trophy.
Only Rolf-Goran Bengtsson of Sweden with Casall ASK had earlier won the LGCT Doha Grand Prix twice but not successively. Bengtsson had claimed the titles in 2014 and 2016.
Daniel Desseur of Germany with 14-year-old bay gelding Gangster v/h Noddevelt finished as the runners-up in 39.52secs. The third spot was clinched by Saudi Arabia’s Abdulrahman al-Rajhi, who combined with 12-year-old bay gelding Ventago to clock 40.35secs.
HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of Al Shaqab, crowned the winners.
Speaking of his triumph, the 35-year-old Abdel Said, said, “I am super happy with Bonne Amie. When I went out for the jump-off, I knew it would be tough but she used the strides well. She’s come along very well and I am so happy.”
He added: “I have been jumping with Bonne Amie since she was nine years old. I just want to tell the young riders that that’s how long it takes to combine well with your horse. So they should be patient for the best results to come. I also want to thank the excellent organisation in Doha. Everything was perfect and thanks to everyone for hosting us.”
Runner-up Desseur said European riders should now know that the competition is heating up and that the standards here is also the same as that in Europe. Al-Rajhi sent across a message to Said, saying, “Me being on the podium is a clear message to Abdel. Be careful, I am coming.”
Al-Rajhi also praised the organisation of event in Qatar, saying: “They are clearly building the sport to the highest level. What we have achieved here is unbelievable. The course is tough and there are these many top riders with all the good horses. The sport is reaching the top level in Doha.”
Earlier in the day, the Netherlands’ Sanne Thijssen took the CSI5* class Against the clock (1.45m) title. Riding bay mare Cupcake Z, Thijssen clocked a flawless 57.68secs.
French Alexa Ferrer took the second podium place clocking 60.38secs with chestnut mare Vitalhorse Fleur d’Oz, while German Kendra Claricia Brinkop finished third on chestnut gelding Surprising Dream S.H.O.Z (61.63secs). The winners were awarded by Mohammed Jaber al-Khayarin, the Event Director.
Later addressing the media along with the LGCT GP of Doha winners, al-Khayarin, revealed the most important figures and statistics of the championship. Jan Tops, President of the Longines Global Champions Tour was also present.
Al-Khayarin praised the great success achieved of the event, noting that the Longines Global Champions Tour is the most prominent and strongest showjumping competition in the world. “We are here today to celebrate the winners and participants of this distinguished event, which witnessed the brilliance of a group of the best riders who competed at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, which has always been the stage for major equestrian championships in Qatar and the region. These competitions have played an important role in enhancing the equestrian culture in Qatar and promoting it as a capital of sports, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the winning local and international riders who demonstrated strong determination and world-class competitive spirit over 4 consecutive days,” he said.
“I express our deep gratitude to all the sponsors and partners who played a major role in the success of this championship. I would also like to thank the media for their continuous support and tangible efforts in highlighting this championship, and the members of all committees and volunteers for their dedication and tireless efforts in providing an exceptional experience for the participants and the public,” he added.
He also noted: “We are proud of our partnership with the Champions Tour; this partnership expresses our firm commitment to providing an ideal environment for riders and horses. Organising such global events is an opportunity to present show jumping at its best and enhance our distinction as a major supporter of this Olympic sport in the Middle East and the world. Longines competitions play an important role in promoting the equestrian culture in Qatar and promoting Doha as a capital of sports. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the winning local and international riders who demonstrated strong determination and world-class competitive spirit over four consecutive days.”