Paris played host to another thrilling chapter of world-class show jumping as Abdel Saïd and his talented mare Bonne Amie stormed to victory in the prestigious Eiffel Challenge, marking the grand finale of the 2025 Longines Global Champions Tour stop in the French capital. Against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, the pair delivered a masterclass of speed, precision, and nerves of steel.
The final 5-star class of the weekend brought together 13 elite combinations for a high-pressure jump-off. With the stands packed and the Parisian skyline providing a stunning setting, anticipation was sky-high. Familiar faces and emerging talents alike were ready to battle for glory.
Fresh from a winning performance in the GCL team event with the Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian, Abdel Saïd was clearly in peak form. His connection with Bonne Amie shone through, as the dynamic duo tackled the technical course with daring pace and pinpoint accuracy. Saïd, known for his sharp competitive edge, praised his mare’s fiery spirit, likening her power and agility to a high-performance machine, and their performance certainly reflected that.
The competition was fierce from the outset. Germany’s Maximilian Weishaupt, riding Zuccero HV, laid down an early clear round, setting the benchmark at 36.95 seconds. The home fans had plenty to cheer about when French rider Philippe Rozier followed with a stylish clear, just fractions off the pace.
But things escalated when Austria’s Max Kühner entered the arena. His ride, defined by bold lines and precision turns, stopped the clock at a blistering 34.63 seconds — a time many thought unbeatable. That was until Saïd and Bonne Amie entered with determination written all over them.
In a display of perfect timing and daring lines, they sliced nearly two-tenths off Kühner’s time, finishing in 34.43 seconds and sending the crowd into raptures. It was a performance that combined courage and calculated risks, enough to earn them the coveted Eiffel Challenge crown.
Other notable performances came from Gilles Thomas, who followed his Grand Prix triumph the previous evening with another flawless effort aboard Qiara de Kalvarie, securing third place. Denis Lynch and Cordial weren’t far behind, producing a slick round to finish just outside the top three.
The jump-off wasn’t without its heartbreaks. Christian Ahlmann’s lightning-fast ride was undone by a clipped rail, while Belgium’s Jérôme Guery saw his hopes dashed by an early mistake. Young talents like Laura Rayjasse received roaring applause for clear rounds, while others, like Antoine Ermann, faced the tough lessons that come with top-level sport.
As the sun dipped behind the Eiffel Tower, the celebrations marked the end of three unforgettable days of sold-out crowds, fierce competition, and Parisian magic. With the Paris leg of the tour wrapped up, all eyes now turn to Monaco, where the next stop promises glamour and high-stakes show jumping by the sparkling Mediterranean.
The Longines Global Champions Tour rolls on — from the romance of Paris to the Riviera’s dazzling shores, the global journey continues.
