Belgium’s Abdel Said, astride 12-year-old bay mare Bonne Amie, celebrates his victory yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: Belgium’s Abdel Said and Bonne Amie triumphed in a star-studded CSI 5* 1.60m field to claim their second successive Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Grand Prix of Doha title at Al Shaqab yesterday.
Abdel Said, riding his 12-year-old bay mare, posted an incredible time of 38.24 seconds in the jump-off, securing victory in the marquee event on the final day of the LGCT season opener at Al Shaqab’s Longines Outdoor Arena.
German rider Daniel Deusser, aboard Gangster v/h Noddevelt, finished as the runner-up with a time of 39.52 seconds, followed by Saudi Arabia’s Abdulrahman Alrajhi, who completed the jump-off course in 40.35 seconds with Ventago.
President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of Al Shaqab H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani crowned the podium winners of the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha (1.60m) at the Longines Outdoor Arena of Al Shaqab yesterday. President of the Asian Equestrian Federation Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah and President of the Global Champions Tour Jan Tops were also present at the ceremony.
President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of Al Shaqab H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani honoured the podium winners.
“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,” Abdel Said, who became the first rider to win back-to-back Doha Grand Prix titles, said at a post-event press conference.
“I have been jumping with Bonne Amie since she was nine years old. I just want to tell the young riders that’s how long it takes to truly bond with your horse. They should be patient for the best results to come.”
He also praised the excellent organisation in Doha, saying, “Everything was perfect, and thanks to everyone for hosting us.”
Third-placed Alrajhi echoed Said’s sentiments, 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 so many top riders with all the best horses. The sport is reaching the top level in Doha.”
Germany’s Marcus Ehning, riding Coolio 42, took fourth place in the event with a time of 41.67 seconds, while Austria’s Gerfried Puck (Equitron Naxcel V) finished fifth, clocking 39.71 seconds in the jump-off.
Dutch rider Sanne Thijssen astride bay mare Cupcake Z, won the CSI5* (1.45m) title.
Earlier, Dutch rider Sanne Thijssen claimed victory in the CSI5* 1.45m class, partnering with Cupcake Z to achieve a flawless time of 57.68 seconds. France’s Alexa Ferrer, riding Vitalhorse Fleur d’Oz, finished second with a time of 60.38 seconds, while German rider Kendra Claricia Brinkop secured third place with a time of 61.63 seconds aboard Surprising Dream S.H.O Z.
Thijssen, the event winner, also took fourth place, completing the course in 61.77 seconds with Con Quidam RB, while Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alsharbatly rounded out the top five, finishing in 62.13 seconds with Alamo.
The spectacular four-day event concluded a remarkable series of major equestrian competitions at Al Shaqab, which also hosted three rounds of the Doha International Tour, the H H the Amir Sword Festival, and CHI Al Shaqab.
Event Director Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin praised yet another successful equestrian event at the world-class venue.
“We are proud of our partnership with the Longines 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 showcase 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 equestrian culture in Qatar and promoting Doha as a capital of sports,” he said at a press conference.
LGCT President Jan Tops commented, “The opening round was a testament to the exceptional organisation of the championship in Qatar, and the special design of the championship field today confirms beyond any doubt that we are witnessing the professionalism and high skill of all the committees responsible for the championship.”
