Egypt’s Sameh El Dahan triumphed in an 11-rider jump off to secure victory at the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Paris.
El Dahan received a standing ovation from the crowd and also secured his place at the inaugural LGCT Super Grand Prix, which will take place in Prague this December.
I can’t explain my emotions. My mare tried her heart out,” said El Dahan, who achieved success in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.
“I am loving the crowds, everyone was behind us. I am so chuffed it hasn’t really sunk in yet.”
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El Dahan was also relieved to have qualified for Prague.
“That was one of our aims and at least now we have done it and can focus on bringing the mare there in best form and competing with the best 16 riders in the world and hopefully we’ll pull out a great result there,” he explained.
After an action-packed Saturday, Britain’s Ben Maher now tops the overall rankings, ahead of Edwina Tops-Alexander of Australia and Dutchman Harrie Smolders.
“I will just be trying to do my best every week,” said Maher. “It was a very good show this weekend with Explosion W.
“He is an incredible horse and jumped a lot of clear rounds, but I couldn’t keep up with these guys today. It was a great jump off. There is still a long way to go and I just try to do my best.”
Diamonds Shine
Smolders enjoyed success in the Global Champions League team competition, securing a win for the Montreal Diamonds alongside Jos Verlooy.
The top 16 teams at the end of the season will qualify for the Prague Playoffs, with the top four advancing straight to the quarterfinals.
“We will be putting our best horses forward for the GCL – that’s our first priority,” said Smolders. “It’s very close from 3rd to 7th, so there will be a battle to get into the top four - but that’s our aim and that’s our goal for the next few shows.”
