Abdel Saïd Claims Victory by a Blink in the Prague Super Grand Prix

In a night defined by razor-sharp precision and relentless speed, Abdel Saïd and the outstanding Bonne Amie stormed to victory in the €1.25 million Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs. Inside a sold-out O2 Arena, with more than 15,000 fans in attendance, spectators witnessed one of the tightest finishes in Super Grand Prix history as the world’s elite battled over two demanding 1.65m rounds for one of the sport’s most coveted individual titles.

Racing straight to the top of the leaderboard, Saïd and his 12-year-old mare Bonne Amie delivered two rounds of pure class, finishing on 4 faults in a lightning-fast 62.43 seconds to secure the biggest win of his career. The Belgian rider delivered under immense pressure, setting the early standard in Round 2 and never relinquishing it.

Close behind, Simon Delestre and the ever-consistent Cayman Jolly Jumper came heartbreakingly close, also finishing on 4 faults but with a time of 62.45 seconds—just two hundredths slower. An almost impossibly narrow margin that electrified the Prague crowd.

Completing the podium, Scott Brash and the expressive mare Hello Chadora Lady delivered another formidable performance, stopping the clock at 62.81 seconds, also on 4 faults, to claim third place in what was undoubtedly one of the strongest Super Grand Prix fields ever assembled.

A beaming Abdel Saïd praised his incredible partner Bonne Amie:
“It’s unbelievable, I am still trying to take it all in… I am very proud of my horse. I’m annoyed with myself because that’s how we are… we criticise the small mistake. But she’s a big lady to go fast in an indoor arena. In my heart, I knew it was a long shot to win with so many good horses and riders still to come. I certainly didn’t expect to win the LGCT Super Grand Prix in Prague.”

With more than 15,700 spectators filling the stands, Simon Delestre spoke about the incredible full house supporting all 15 riders:
“The crowd was amazing tonight, the atmosphere was fantastic… after walking Round 1 I thought it was tough enough, and I spoke with Uliano and he said he was expecting 3–5 clears… and he got 11!”

In a night full of highs and lows, Scott Brash celebrated his 40th birthday in the best possible way—with a podium finish in the Super Grand Prix.
“There is always so much drama at this show, you never know what is going to happen next, it’s really entertaining—yesterday was incredible to watch and tonight again. The atmosphere is amazing: the crowd, the sound, the whole picture… it’s just fantastic.”

The relentless pace of the top three left no room for error. Riders such as Gerrit Nieberg (Ping Pong van de Lentamel), Nicola Philippaerts (Katanga v/h Dingeshof), and Harrie Smolders (Monaco) all finished on 4 faults but couldn’t match the winning times in a showdown that demanded absolute perfection.

As the fifth edition of the GC Prague Playoffs reached its climax, the tension, intensity and atmosphere inside the O2 Arena once again showed why this event is often described as the “Super Bowl” of show jumping.

Jan Tops, President and Founder of the Longines Global Champions Tour, praised the exceptional quality of the sport:
“What you see here is exceptional—champions from across the season coming together in one arena, under immense pressure, delivering performances at the highest standard. This class is truly unique. The atmosphere in Prague is extraordinary and once again sets the benchmark for world-class sport. Tonight’s record attendance proves how the Playoffs continue to capture the imagination of fans worldwide.”

Event Director Jan Andrlík added:
“We are incredibly proud to welcome Global Champions back to Prague. This evening showcased the very best of our sport—outstanding riders, phenomenal horses and a crowd that truly lives and breathes show jumping. It was a spectacular night.”

In a Grand Prix where fractions of a second separated triumph from heartbreak, Abdel Saïd and Bonne Amie etched their names into the history books—champions of the 2025 LGCT Super Grand Prix.

Experienced stars and first-time contenders

Among the most seasoned contenders in this year’s final were Harrie Smolders with Monaco, Scott Brash with Hello Chadora Lady, and Marco Kutscher with Catelly. All three brought a wealth of championship experience into the arena, fully aware of the precision and grit required to stand on the Prague podium.

Alongside them, several riders made their Super Grand Prix debut: Gerrit Nieberg (Ping Pong van de Lentamel), Anastasia Nielsen (Action Man), Emanuele Camilli (Chacarreno PS), and Gregory Cottard (Cocaine du Val), all of whom earned their place after exceptional seasons, proving they belonged on the sport’s most prestigious stage.

Round 1: exceptional quality and no clears

Round 1 immediately showcased the exceptional calibre of the field: not a single rider produced a clear round.

The scoreboard remained incredibly tight as nearly every combination finished with just one rail down—proof of the unforgiving standard on display. The only notable setback came when Philipp Weishaupt and Kokomo B chose to retire early.

With minimal separation across the leaderboard, all 14 remaining riders were still serious podium contenders heading into Round 2, setting the stage for one of the closest Super Grand Prix battles ever.

Round 2: the crowd holds its breath

Round 2 brought the drama the Prague audience had been waiting for. In a surprising twist, only one of the riders who jumped clear in Round 1 ultimately finished inside the top five, keeping the 16,000-strong crowd on the edge of their seats until the very last horse.

Christian Kukuk and Chageorge, despite their trademark speed, couldn’t keep the rails up and slipped down the leaderboard. Nicola Philippaerts and Katanga v/h Dingeshof, faultless in Round 1, added costly penalties that derailed their podium hopes.

In the ultimate showdown, Abdel Saïd and Bonne Amie delivered a composed yet blistering second performance, stopping the clock at 62.43 seconds with 4 faults—a time no one could beat.

Simon Delestre and Cayman Jolly Jumper came agonisingly close, also finishing on 4 faults but just two hundredths slower at 62.45 seconds. Scott Brash and Hello Chadora Lady produced another classy performance—4 faults in 62.81 seconds—to secure the final podium position.

Former LGCT Season Champion Harrie Smolders delivered a typically polished performance with Monaco. Yet their 66.40 seconds with 4 faults weren’t enough to threaten the lightning-fast leaders, securing a place inside the top five rather than on the podium.

As tension mounted, Marco Kutscher and Catelly were among the first to put pressure on the field in Round 2, clocking 67.22 seconds with 4 faults to momentarily reshuffle the standings. Their lead didn’t last long as the class unfolded.

Christian Kukuk and Chageorge, strong in Round 1, saw rails fall under their aggressive pace, closing on 8 faults in 64.99 seconds. Gregory Cottard and Cocaine du Val delivered a typically forward rhythm, but an early error left them on 8 faults in 66.34 seconds.

Then all eyes turned to the Round 1 frontrunners.

Saïd and Bonne Amie, already within striking distance of the title, entered the arena knowing that one more powerful performance could seal the victory. Rising to the moment, they delivered a blistering 62.43-second round with 4 faults, launching themselves into the lead.

But the drama wasn’t over.

Simon Delestre and Cayman Jolly Jumper, known for their slick speed, pushed to chase Saïd’s time. In one of the closest finishes in Super Grand Prix history, they crossed the finish in 62.45 seconds—just two hundredths short.

Scott Brash and Hello Chadora Lady, well within reach after Round 1, delivered another smooth and balanced round—62.81 seconds and 4 faults—to secure third place.

Further down the field, pressure took its toll. Gerrit Nieberg and Ping Pong van de Lentamel added vital time with 4 faults in 63.01 seconds, while Nicola Philippaerts and Katanga v/h Dingeshof impressed as the only combination to jump clear in Round 2, though it wasn’t enough to lift them toward the podium.

When the final horse crossed the finish line, there was no doubt left: Abdel Saïd and Bonne Amie were the undeniable champions of the 2025 LGCT Super Grand Prix.

Prize-giving and a tribute to the grooms

In a spectacular award ceremony, the champions received an exquisite Longines timepiece from Longines CEO and President Patrick Aoun. Jan Tops, President of the Longines Global Champions Tour & GCL, and Event Director Jan Andrlík presented the prestigious trophies, recognising the riders’ outstanding achievements on this unforgettable night in Prague.

A heartfelt tribute was paid to the dedicated grooms behind the podium stars. Malin Henlov, Margotx Guillui and David Hornet were honoured with special gifts and trophies, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to the exceptional equine athletes who shone under the O2 Arena lights. The emotional moment concluded with a vibrant lap of honour and roaring applause from the passionate crowd.

As day three of the GC Prague Playoffs came to a close, excitement now shifts to the highly anticipated GCL Super Cup Final, promising yet another day of world-class sport and dramatic team competition.

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