Under the bright lights of Cannes, between the superyachts anchored in the bay and a sold-out grandstand, Abdel Said delivered one of the standout performances of his season. Partnering the talented Wathnan Zasou vom Claashof, the Belgian rider claimed Saturday evening’s Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Cannes. t was another prestigious victory, earned after a four-horse jump-off that was as ruthless as it was fast, and one that significantly boosts his championship ambitions.

Riviera Glory

While much of the French sporting public was focused on Roland-Garros and Formula 1 in Monaco, Cannes decided to stage its own show just a few kilometres away.

And what a show it was.

In the unique setting of the Stade des Hespérides, with the Mediterranean as a backdrop and luxury yachts lining the bay, Abdel Said found the perfect balance between calculated risk and absolute precision. The reward was a brilliant victory in the €500,000 Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Cannes.

Riding Wathnan Zasou vom Claashof (Zinedine x Lord Z), a12-year-old Hanoverian mare, still relatively inexperienced at this level, the Belgian stormed through the jump-off in 39.44 seconds. That proved more than enough to leave Ireland’s Michael Pender and HHS Cyprus almost two seconds behind, half a lightyear margin in a class of this calibre.

An all-out jump-off

Only four combinations returned for the decisive jump-off.

Michael Pender had set the benchmark first, producing a double clear in 41.35 seconds that immediately looked difficult to beat.

Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann, winner here in 2023, was unable to repeat her success despite another faultless performance aboard Cellagon Cascais. Her time of 43.44 seconds temporarily placed her behind the Irishman.

Then Abdel Said entered the arena.

From the opening fence, his intentions were clear. Every turn was shaved to the absolute minimum, every line ridden aggressively, every stride committed. Zasou seemed to float over the fences as the pair steadily gained valuable fractions of a second at every split.

When they crossed the finish line, the scoreboard displayed 39.44 seconds.

The new standard. The hammer blow

Zasou in the house

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the victory was the identity of Said’s partner.

Wathnan Zasou vom Claashof is still discovering the sport’s biggest stages, yet in Cannes she showed she already possesses the qualities of a future star. The partnership itself is relatively young, having been formed just over eighteen months ago. Before joining Abdel Said’s stable in Herentals, the mare spent six months under the saddle of Ludger Beerbaum and a further period with Kathrin Stolmeijer. Progress came quickly. Victories at 1.45m level followed in Montefalco and Falsterbo, before first appearances at 1.60m in Gassin and Riyadh. Then came a major statement in Madrid, where the pair finished second in the Champions League competition.

« She is still quite green at this level,” Said explained after his victory. “I’m incredibly grateful to her. In an atmosphere like this, you want to take risks. She answered every question tonight. », said Abdel Said after his victory.

A comment that perfectly summed up the evening: boldness from the rider, trust from the horse.

The championship fight Is wide open

This victory represents far more than another trophy on the French Riviera.

With the win, Abdel Said climbs to third place in the Longines Global Champions Tour standings on 100 points. He now trails only Simon Delestrewho leads with 118.67 points, and Katrin Eckermannon 104.

n other words: the title race is far from decided.

With ten stages still remaining, only 34.67 points separate the top five riders in the championship standings.

Next stop: Saint-Tropez

he Global Champions Tour caravan is staying on the Côte d’Azur.

Following Cannes, the trucks have only a short journey before the next stop, scheduled from 11 to 13 June in Ramatuelle-Saint-Tropez.

Another postcard-perfect venue. Another battle.

And now, an Abdel Said who looks more than ever like a genuine championship contender. Eckermann, Bucci, Philippaerts (Nicola) and Delestre among the riders already qualified for the season-ending Super Grand Prix.

Find the full results of the LGCT Grand Prix of Cannes here.

(Photos ©LGCT/S. Grasso)