In a climax that had the O2 Arena erupting, Abdel Saïd sealed a heart-stopping victory aboard the remarkable Bonne Amie in the 2025 Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix. As the crowd of over 15,700 spectators rose to their feet, Saïd embraced his 12-year-old mare, a mix of relief and pride lighting his face after a race decided by mere hundredths of a second. The Belgian rider’s triumph came in a contest of nerves, skill, and lightning speed that will be remembered as one of the closest finishes in LGCT Super Grand Prix history.
From the first round, it was clear that the competition would demand perfection. Saïd and Bonne Amie set a blazing pace, finishing with 4 faults in a remarkable 62.43 seconds. The pressure was relentless, with riders such as Simon Delestre aboard Cayman Jolly Jumper and Scott Brash riding Hello Chadora Lady matching the fault tally but falling short by fractions—Delestre by just two hundredths of a second and Brash by under four tenths.
The event showcased the finest global talent in show jumping. Former LGCT champion Harrie Smolders on Monaco, Marco Kutscher aboard Catelly, and Nicola Philippaerts with Katanga v/h Dingeshof all delivered stellar rounds, yet even their consistency could not challenge Saïd’s blistering pace. The tension mounted as each combination negotiated the demanding 1.65m course, with Round 2 proving particularly punishing—only one of the initial clear-round riders remained in podium contention, leaving the packed arena on edge until the final horse crossed the line.
Saïd, glowing with pride, spoke of his mare’s extraordinary performance: “It’s unbelievable, I am still trying to take it in. I am very proud of my horse… In my heart, I knew it was a long shot with so many strong riders, but she gave her all. Bonne Amie is a big lady to go fast indoors, and she showed true class tonight.” Delestre praised the atmosphere, noting, “The crowd was amazing… after Round 1 I thought it was tough, and to see 11 clear rounds in the arena was incredible.” Meanwhile, Scott Brash, celebrating his 40th birthday, added, “There’s so much drama at this show. The crowd, the sound, everything—it’s just amazing.”
The podium was completed by Brash in third, with the top three separated by less than half a second—a testament to the razor-thin margins that define elite show jumping. The battle for the remaining top positions was equally fierce, with riders like Gerrit Nieberg (Ping Pong van de Lentamel) and Christian Kukuk (Chageorge) delivering strong performances, only to be edged out by the relentless pace of the leaders.
This fifth edition of the GC Prague Playoffs once again affirmed the O2 Arena as the “Super Bowl” of show jumping, with Jan Tops, President of the LGCT, remarking, “What you see here is exceptional—champions delivering performances at the highest standard. The atmosphere in Prague is extraordinary and sets the benchmark for world-class sport.” Event Director Jan Andrlík added, “Tonight showcased the very best of our sport—outstanding riders, phenomenal horses, and a crowd that lives and breathes show jumping.”
Abdel Saïd and Bonne Amie’s victory was more than just a win—it was a story of precision, courage, and partnership under pressure. As the final horse crossed the finish line, the arena erupted in applause, honoring the champions, their teams, and the dedicated grooms whose care and commitment were crucial to this unforgettable night.
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