The five-star Longines Grand Prix closed off the second day at La Coruna, and it was Sameh El Dahan that went out on top after a very tough competition that saw only three riders moving on to the jump-off.

A total of 45 horse-and-rider combinations had lined up for the 1.60m class worth 270,000 Euro, but most of them faced real trouble over the fourteen-fence track set by Santiago Varela with the plank as the middle element of the triple combination as well as the final line from twelve, thirteen and fourteen – where poles fell repeatedly – causing the most faults. With only three clears and nine riders choosing to retire, it was no walk in the park at Casas Novas. 

As second to go in the jump-off Sameh El Dahan (EGY) and Suma's Zorro (Ard VDL Douglas x Unknown) were the fastest with a time of 33.61 seconds, stealing the win from Carlos López (COL) and Cuplandra (Upgrade x Metall) that were pathfinders and stopped the clock at 34.00. Third place went to Jos Verlooy (BEL) and the lovely 9-year-old Igor (Emerald van't Ruytershof x Nabab de Reve), the youngest horse of the three in the jump-off, also they double clear. With one time penalty each in the first round, Zoe Conter (BEL) took the fourth place on Irenice Horta (Vigo d'Arsouilles x Diamant de Semilly) and Luiz Felipe de Azevedo Filho (BRA) fifth place on Chaccomo (Chacco-Blue x Contender). Paola Amilibia was best of the Spanish riding Prunella d’Ariel (Diamant de Semilly x Laudanum) to end 6th with four faults in the first round, and took home the Tyco Trophy on behalf of the hosts.

After receiving the winner’s trophy from Elena Orozco, Director of Longines in Spain, El Dahan said: “I always believe we'll have a good result. Sumas Zorro is really careful, she always fights for me and that's how she manages to finish it.”

“This is one of the best five-star shows in the world with top riders, and the facilities are unbelievable. It is one of the best indoor places in the world, the arena is big and always have the best riders. It's a pleasure to come here,” said El Dahan about Casas Novas.

Source: Press release from Oxer Sport // Picture © Manuel Queimadelos / Oxer Sport