Edited press release from Longines Global Champions Tour

Abdel Said (BEL) and his exceptional mare Bonne Amie (A Big Boy x Landfriese) etched their names into the history books, securing a second consecutive victory at the CSI5* 1.60m €575,000 Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha under the floodlights of Al Shaqab’s iconic arena. 

It was a thrilling climax to the opening leg of the 2025 LGCT season as His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani presented the awards with Daniel Deusser (GER)  on Gangster v/h Noddevelt (Eldorado vd Zeshoek x Careful) claiming second place, while Abdulrahman Alrajhi (KSA) took third with Ventago (Van Helsing x Hunter's Scendix). 

Said and Bonnie’s, as she’s affectionately known, victory in Doha catapulted them to the lead in the LGCT overall standings after the first stage of the season, having secured the maximum 40 points.

Approaching the first stage of the 2025-season with laser focus, Said came in with a plan – and executed it to perfection. He reflected on his approach, saying: “This week, I was here alone with just my two horses, so I really wanted to focus purely on the LGCT Grand Prix. I knew Bonnie was in great shape. When I walked the course today I was like wow - you don’t come across courses like this every week. I’m just so incredibly proud of her today and thank you to the team for this incredible event here in Doha!”

“Today’s jump-off was fast – faster than last year, I’d say – and she handled it exceptionally well," Said continued. "It’s nice now to know that we have the Golden Ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix in the bag already so we can build the whole season.”

Having spent some time analysing his jump-off ride, the second placed Deusser – who won the 2020 LGCT Grand Prix of Doha – explained: “I was really happy today, I was early to go and did a very good jump-off I thought. Abdel was a little later, he could watch what I did and he did one stride less from two to three, was a little bit quicker – that’s the sport nevertheless and I’m very, very happy with Gangster today.”

Abdulrahman Alrajhi couldn’t wipe the smile off his face after securing his first-ever LGCT Grand Prix podium. He shared his excitement, saying: “It’s been an incredible day. I’ve been so close with Ventago but never quite there, so I’m thrilled to finally stand on a Longines Global Champions Tour podium! Having nine riders in the jump-off shows the top level of the sport. It was an absolute joy to ride, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the amazing support team behind me and Ventago.”