Seven combinations qualified for the jump-off of the 1.60m LGCT Grand Prix in Rome. Said was in the saddle of the 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding, Wathnan Quaker Brimbelles Z (Quicksilver St Simeon, breeder: Haras de Brimbelles). The pair jumped to victory in 35.27 seconds.

Said finished a few tenths of a second ahead of Pieter Devos' time. Devos was one of the first to start and ultimately finished second with his home-bred Zangersheide mare, Casual DV Z (Cornet Obolensky). Third place went to French rider Lara Tryba and the 11-year-old Chacco-Blue son, Chageorge (breeder: Paul Schockemöhle). Only this top three managed to complete the jump-off with a clear round.

Together with Stal Naessens' Gatsby du Tillard (President), Simon Delestre finished just off the podium. Last rider to start, Denis Lynch, navigated the BWP gelding Ping Pong van de Lentamel (Emerald) to a final fifth place.

Abdel Saïd paid tribute to the Italian crowd after a performance that strengthened his position at the top of the Championship standings. “It is amazing to ride here in front of this Italian crowd. They always egg you on, and it makes you want to do more,” he said. “I am very proud of my horse. He was on the ball with me today. I think he was looking at the LGCT ranking as well, because he was really on it with me!”

Reflecting on his jump-off strategy, Saïd explained how he used his horse’s strengths to his advantage: “He has a big stride and a lot of scope, so I had to use that to my advantage today. He is maybe not the most agile horse, but he is really game, and it worked out.”

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