Edited press release from Longines Global Champions Tour

The win in the CSI5* 1.60m €375,000 Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha went to Belgium’s Abdel Saïd and the 11-year-old mare Bonne Amie (A Big Boy x Landfriese), after a jump-off against nine other horse-and-rider combinations. 

Saïd, who now sits on top of the 2024 LGCT standings following the first leg in Doha, edged out rising star Harry Allen (IRL) and Calculatus (Cachassini x Contello) by a mere 0.21 seconds, followed by Marcus Ehning (GER) and Coolio 42 (Casalito x Quidam de Revel) in third who were 0.75 behind the winning time. Completing the top five were Wilm Vermeir (BEL) and Iq van het Steentje (Toulon x Kanna) in fourth, followed by Abdulrahman Alrajhi (KSA) and Ventago (Van Helsing x Hunter's Scendix) in fifth – with the last two double clear rounds in the class.

Speaking of Bonne Amie, Saïd said: “I am really delighted with her, she’s an incredible horse but she’s a sensitive big lady. I struggled a little in the jump-offs last year, I would maybe override her a little or not ride with enough feeling… but today it felt as though she matured and grew with some small changes and I am really thrilled that it came together today, she truly deserves this win.”

Saïd's victory secured him the first coveted spot in the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Playoffs held in Riyadh later this year. Clearly filled with emotion after his triumph he smiled: “To be here in this incredible venue at Al Shaqab is an incredible feeling – a mix of the hospitality, the venue, the organization by the team at Global Champions, it couldn’t be a better time for it all to come together.”

Supported by his multiple Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix-winning brother, Bertram Allen, Harry spoke of a well-executed plan landing him and Calculatus in second place. “I was very lucky, Bertram flew out yesterday to help me – we made a very good plan and it all came together. I’m absolutely delighted, my horse couldn't have jumped better,” he said.

Third-placed Ehning spoke of his relatively new partnership with his 11-year-old gelding Coolio, and said: “Coolio is quite a new horse for me, I have had him for maybe half a year. Yesterday he was double clear in the GCL, and today double clear again, I am very excited for the future and more than happy.” 

For the next leg of the series,  the LGCT heads to Miami Beach from 3 - 6 April.