DOHA: Belgian rider Abdelkader Saeed has successfully defended his Grand Prix title at the opening round of the Longines Global Champions Tour, held at Al Shaqab, Doha.
The five-star event, part of the 2025 World Champions League, concluded with Saeed clinching victory for the second consecutive year in the 160 cm Grand Prix, riding “Bonnie Amy” to a winning time of 38.24 seconds in the tiebreaker round.
The competition, which took place at Longines Square in Al Shaqab, saw 271 riders from 35 countries and more than 411 horses competing for a share of the €1.1 million prize pool.
In a closely contested finish, German Daniel Deusser took second place while Saudi Arabia’s Abdulrahman Al Rajhi finished third.
In the International Round, Dutch rider Sanne Thijsen emerged victorious in the five-star 1.45 m against-the-clock event.
Thijsen clocked a time of 57.68 seconds on “Cupcake,” finishing ahead of France’s Alexa Ferrer, who recorded 60.38 seconds aboard “Fighter Horse.”
Germany’s Kendra Clarica Brinkop rounded out the top three with a time of 61.63 seconds on “Surprising.”
Sheikh Jawaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee and Al Shaqab’s Board of Directors, crowned the top finishers of the Grand Prix.
The event marked a significant milestone in Qatar’s ongoing efforts to establish itself as a global equestrian hub.
Speaking at the press conference after the competition, Championship Director Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin praised the event’s success and emphasized the importance of the Longines Tour in enhancing equestrian culture in Qatar.
“This championship continues to showcase the highest level of show jumping and serves as a major catalyst for the development of the sport in the region,” he said.
Jan Tops, President of the Longines Global Champions Tour, also lauded the event’s organization, highlighting the professionalism of all involved. “The competition today was a testament to the exceptional organization here in Qatar. The design of the arena and the quality of the competition reflect the skill and commitment of everyone behind the event.”
Reflecting on his victory, Saeed expressed his satisfaction with the level of competition, noting the intensive preparation needed for such a prestigious event.
Meanwhile, Deusser, who finished second, shared his admiration for the fierce competition in the final round, while Al Rajhi emphasized the continuous improvement in the event’s organization, underscoring its growing significance in global show jumping.
The success of this opening round further strengthens Doha’s reputation as a key destination for world-class equestrian events.
