Doha: HE President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Chairman of Al Shaqab, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, crowned the winners of the Global Champions Tour Grand Prix Doha in Al Shaqab upon the conclusion of the event on Saturday.
According to Qatar News Agency, Abdel Said, from Belgium, secured victory with his 12-year-old bay mare Bonne Amie, completing the jump-off flawlessly in 38.24 seconds. This impressive performance earned him a top prize of 189,750 euros and the prestigious trophy. Notably, only Rolf-Goran Bengtsson of Sweden with Casall ASK had won the LGCT Doha Grand Prix twice before, but not consecutively, having claimed titles in 2014 and 2016.
Daniel Desseur of Germany, riding his 14-year-old bay gelding Gangster v/h Noddevelt, finished second with a time of 39.52 seconds. Saudi Arabia’s Abdulrahman Al Rajhi, on his 12-year-old bay gelding Ventago, claimed the third spot with a time of 40.35 seconds.
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 57.68 seconds.
Later, addressing the media alongside the LGCT GP of Doha winners, Event Director Mohammed Jaber AlKhayarin revealed the most distinguished figures and statistics of the championship. Jan Tops, President of the Longines Global Champions Tour, praised the event’s enormous success, noting that the Longines Global Champions Tour is the most prominent and strongest showjumping competition globally.
“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,” Tops said.
Abdel Said expressed his joy, stating, “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. 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.”
Runner-up Desseur emphasized that European riders should recognize the competition’s intensity and that the standards in Doha match those in Europe.
Al Rajhi humorously warned Said, saying, “Me being on the podium is a clear message to Abdel. Be careful, I am coming.” He also praised the event’s organization, noting, “They are clearly building the sport to the highest level. What we have achieved here is unbelievable.”