Over two rounds, the 1.50m World Cup competition in Doha delivered thrilling show jumping action. It was a battle of titans, with the entire top five finishing without faults. In the end, Abdel Said recorded the fastest time in the saddle of his 15-year-old mare, Arpege du Ru(breeder: Christophe Legue).
"I’m really happy with this result. The course was slightly more challenging than in previous weeks, but Arpege felt amazing!" Said said after the competition. "I’m really happy with the bond I have with her. She is naturally fast, and thanks to her experience, I was able to take the necessary risks as the last to go. Fortunately, everything worked out!"
Abdel Said and the 15-year-old daughter of Apache d'Adriers sped to victory in 41.62 seconds. The pair finished just under two seconds ahead of Janne F. Meyer-Zimmermann with Iron Dames High Level (Livello), bred by Jens Hauschildt. After a faultless round in 43.50 seconds, Meyer-Zimmermann narrowly stayed ahead of Antoine Ermann and the 11-year-old BWP gelding, Odin van 't Hanegoor (Kiekeboe).
Just outside the top three, British rider Millie Allen finished in fourth place. Allen competed aboard the 9-year-old Zangersheide gelding, Clearround Il Mondo Z (Comme Il Faut). The top five was completed by Inigo Lopez de la Osa Franco and Jade (Cardento), who also delivered a clear round.
