Press release from UAEERF, edited by World of Showjumping

The penultimate day of the Longines League of Nations™ and The Emirates Jumping Cup at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club in Abu Dhabi (UAE) delivered another afternoon of high-quality sport, headlined by the CSI2* 1.45m Longines Grand Prix, where Katie Speller (GBR) aboard Z7 Pink Panther (Cuick Star Kervec x Obos Quality) pounced to victory.

A competitive field of 41 horse-and-rider combinations came forward to tackle the 1.45m CSI2* Longines Grand Prix track, which demanded accuracy and composure before progressing to a decisive jump-off. Eight pairs produced clear rounds to advance, setting up an electric finale against the clock. First to return in the jump-off, Great Britain’s Katie Speller laid down an immediate marker aboard Z7 Pink Panther, producing a bold clear in 35.95 seconds that ultimately proved untouchable.

Canada’s Lea Rucker followed with a strong effort aboard Macarena 42 (Monte Bellini x Saccor), finishing clear in a slightly slower time of 36.59 to take second place, while Syria’s Jawad Nizam completed the podium with Faroso W (Zapatero x Tenerife VDL), clear in 37.87s.

Speaking after her win, Speller said: “I’m absolutely thrilled. This is my second Grand Prix win and Panther’s second Grand Prix ever, and we’ve been lucky enough to win both of them. I’m really proud of how he’s stepped up to this level — he’s feeling confident and happy around these tracks now, which makes such a difference. I don’t usually love being first to go in a jump-off, but I trusted Panther completely. I had a clear plan from Shane, stuck to it, and thankfully everything came together.”