Abdel Said & Bonne Amie Clinch Second Consecutive Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix win
Mdmar – Doha – LGCT
Abdel Said and his exceptional mare Bonne Amie have etched their names into the history books, securing a sensational second consecutive victory at the €575,000 Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha. Under the floodlights of Al Shaqab’s iconic arena, the Belgium rider delivered a masterclass of precision and power, successfully defending his title against a world-class field.
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 claiming second place, while Abdulrahman Alrajhi (KSA) impressed to take third with Ventago.
“mdmar” website for horse races and equestrian News
Abdel and Bonnie’s, as she’s affectionately known, victory not only clinched the top spot in Doha but also catapulted them to the lead in the prestigious LGCT Championship race after the first stage, having secured the maximum 40 points. The night concluded in spectacular fashion with a dazzling sound and light show during the prize-giving ceremony, marking the end of three days of world-class show jumping and launching the quest to crown the 2025 LGCT Champion.
Approaching the first stage of the 2025 season with laser focus, Abdel 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 Bonne 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!”
“mdmar” website for horse races and equestrian News
He added, “Today’s jump-off was fast—faster than last year, I’d say—and she handled it exceptionally well. 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 today, second place getter, and 2020 winner of the LGCT Grand Prix of Doha, Daniel Deusser 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 Gangsta today.”
Abdulrahman Alrajhi couldn’t wipe the smile off his face after securing his first-ever LGCT Grand Prix podium—a sentiment he echoed in every interview and reaction following the final rider. 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.”
“mdmar” website for horse races and equestrian News
Peter Schumacher’s expertly crafted 1.60m course pushed even the world’s best to their limits, with many struggling against its demanding challenges. Spectators tuning in via GCTV were treated to edge-of-the-seat action as 38 riders took on the test. A tricky mid-course line leading into a double of uprights proved particularly unforgiving, dashing the hopes of several top contenders. Among those missing out on the jump-off were past LGCT Grand Prix champions Edwina Tops-Alexander on Fellow Castlefield and Christian Ahlmann on Mandato van de Neerheide.
Only nine combinations managed a faultless first round, underscoring the track’s balance of difficulty and fairness. With the stage set, the jump-off delivered an electrifying showdown—fast, fierce, and filled with drama.
First to go, Jeanne Sadran and Dexter de Kerglenn, carried the confidence of their victory in the LGCT Grand Prix of Paris last year. Setting off at speed and using her horse’s huge stride to full effect, she looked strong until catching the back rail of the black GC oxer, finishing in 41.53 seconds with four faults.
Former LGCT Grand Prix of Doha winner Daniel Deusser set the early benchmark with Gangster v/h Noddevelt, delivering the first flawless double clear in 39.52 seconds. With some of the sport’s biggest names still to come, he faced a tense wait to see if his time would hold.
“mdmar” website for horse races and equestrian News
Determined to improve on last year’s fifth-place finish, Abdulrahman Alrajhi and Ventago started strong, staying close to Deusser’s time at the halfway mark. However, they couldn’t quite match the pace, finishing just behind in 40.35 seconds.
Meanwhile, former LGCT Grand Prix of Mexico City winners Denis Lynch and Brooklyn Heights saw their hopes dashed early, knocking the first fence. With the win out of reach, they shifted gears to chase a fast four-fault round. Looking to kick start her Championship campaign Sophie Hinners and Iron Dames my Prins were flying until a miscommunication forced them to turn a circle, wiping another pair out of contention for a podium today.
Finishing third last year, Marcus Ehning and Coolio 42 looked to be replicating their result. Initially going in to third place to round off the podium once again but he didn’t stay their long as the big guns just kept coming…
“mdmar” website for horse races and equestrian News
Ready to make history with back to back wins Abdel Saïd didn’t hold anything back on Bonne Amie. Flat out to the last he punched the air as he crossed the finish line cutting over a second of Deusser’s time to fly into the lead with ease.
In a surprising turn of events, favourites Simon Delestre and Jiamo VDS suffered an unexpected run-out while attempting a bold rollback. The mistake added four faults to their total, dropping them down the leaderboard. With just one rider left, Gerfried Puck was aiming for his first-ever LGCT Grand Prix win. However, a gut-wrenching pole at the very first fence with Equitron Naxcel V dashed h
is hopes, handing Abdel the victory for the second consecutive year.
The Championship now moves on to the iconic LGCT Mexico City from March 27-30, where Abdel will look to extend his successful campaign, and the battle for the next coveted golden ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs in November continues.
“mdmar” website for horse races and equestrian News
The “Mdmar” website for horse and equestrian races is keen to cover and follow all competitions related to horses, from show jumping, Horseracing, speed and endurance races, and purebred Arabian horse beauty shows, which belong to the Arab Gulf countries at home and abroad in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
