QOC President Crowns Winners, as Global Champions Tour Grand Prix Wraps Up in Doha

Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani

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.

Abdel Said, from Belgian, with his trusted ride – 12-year-old bay mare Bonne Amie – swept the jump off in fine style in flawless 38.24secs for a top prize of 189,750 euros besides the prestigious trophy. Only Rolf-Goran Bengtsson of Sweden with Casall ASK had earlier won the LGCT Doha Grand Prix twice but not successively. Bengtsson had claimed the titles in 2014 and 2016.

Daniel Desseur of Germany with 14-year-old bay gelding Gangster v/h Noddevelt finished as the runners-up in 39.52secs. The third spot was clinched by Saudi Arabia's Abdulrahman Al Rajhi, who combined with 12-year-old bay gelding Ventago to clock 40.35secs.

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 57.68secs.

Later addressing the media along with 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 was also present. He praised the enormous success achieved of the event, noting that the Longines Global Champions Tour is the most prominent and strongest showjumping competition in the world.

"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.

"These competitions have played an important role in enhancing the equestrian culture in Qatar and promoting it as a capital of sports, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the winning local and international riders who demonstrated strong determination and world-class competitive spirit over 4 consecutive days," Tops said.

Speaking of his triumph, the 35-year-old Abdel Said, said, "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. She's come along very well, and I am so happy." He added: "I have been jumping with Bonne Amie since she was nine years old. 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. I also want to thank the excellent organisation in Doha. Everything was perfect and thanks to everyone for hosting us." Runner-up Desseur said European riders should now know that the competition is heating up and that the standards here is also the same as that in Europe.

Al Rajhi sent across a message to Said, saying, "Me being on the podium is a clear message to Abdel. Be careful, I am coming." He also praised the organisation of event in Qatar, saying: "They are clearly building the sport to the highest level. What we have achieved here is unbelievable. The course is tough and there are these many top riders with all the good horses. The sport is reaching the top level in Doha."

(QNA)