In emotional scenes as the sun set behind the Eiffel Tower, Sameh El Dahan (EGY) was given a standing ovation as he celebrated a breathtaking victory in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Paris.
The young Egyptian and his plucky mare turned the tables on the heavyweights of show jumping triumphing against 10 world class riders in an electrifying jump off on the spectacular stage of the Champs de Mars; the Longines Global Champions Tour – Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping.
Sameh El Dahan on Suma’s Zorro. Photo by Stefano Grasso/LGCT
Almost speechless after his win Sameh said: “I can’t explain my emotions. My mare tried her heart out. I am loving the crowds, everyone was behind us. I am so chuffed it hasn’t really sunk in yet.”
Sameh is now the 10th rider to qualify for the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Playoffs in Prague in December joining an incredible start list including Peder Fredricson (SWE), Ben Maher (GBR), Scott Brash (GBR) and Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS).
The result shook up the overall series ranking with Ben Maher’s phenomenal form rocketing him into the lead knocking Edwina Tops-Alexander back into second place with Harrie Smolders (NED) moving up into third place.
The LGCT Grand Prix played out on one of the most iconic and dramatic stages for show jumping and the competition was as hot as the temperature. Stunning aerial images beamed around the world showed incredible views of the Eiffel Tower and the City of Lights as top sport got underway in the French capital.
The 10th leg of the LGCT championship was a stunner with Sameh, who originally qualified as a doctor, taking top spot on the podium with Bertram Allen (IRL) in second and Harrie Smolders in third.
Standing ovation for Sameh El Dahan, winner of the lGCT Grand Prix of Paris Eiffel. Photo by Stefano Grasso/LGCT
The 1.60m LGCT Grand Prix was watched by passionate crowds who filled the grandstands along with international guests enjoying fine dining in the chic hospitality lounge.
In the first round 35 starters faced a formidable technical course designed by Uliano Vezzani although the slightly generous time allowed took off some of the pressure.
It was quickly clear that fence nine, the Paris Metro vertical flanked by a model Eiffel Tower, would be the bogey fence along with the Arc de Triomphe obstacle and the final fence itself, a chocolate brown oxer that caught out multiple combinations.
Bertram Allen on Molly Malone V. Photo by Stefano Grasso/LGCT
Bertram Allen and Molly Malone V clocked up the first clear round swiftly followed by Pieter Devos (BEL) and Claire Z – the jump off was on.
There was huge disappointment for Leopold van Asten (NED) with VDL Groep Beauty and home hero Simon Delestre (FRA) and Hermes Ryan who both fell victim to the final oxer.
But Frenchman Philippe Rozier (FRA) lifted French spirits as he pulled off a faultless round booking his place in the jump off. Gregory Wathelet (BEL) and MJT Nevados S and Marc Houtzager (NED) on Sterrehof’s Calimero both impressed with clear rounds.
Harrie Smolders on Don VHP Z N.O.P. Photo by Stefano Grasso/LGCT
It was setting up to be a blockbuster as the maestro Harrie Smolders and his powerful stallion Don VHP Z delivered a brilliant round staying clear despite a nerve jangling clip of that tricky final fence.
As the shadows lengthened Edwina Tops-Alexander and California began their campaign to stretch her ranking lead and raised their chances with a fast, buzzing clear. The course and the heat took their toll on world class talents including Beezie Madden (USA), Laura Kraut (USA), Christian Ahlmann (GER), Marcus Ehning (GER), Alberto Zorzi (ITA) and French riders Kevin Staut and Penelope Leprevost.
Edwina Tops-Alexander on California. Photo by Stefano Grasso/LGCT
The starting grid for the phenomenal jump off was completed by on fire Ben Maher and Explosion W, Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) and H&M Legend of Love, Sameh and Suma’s Zorro and Peder Fredricson (SWE) on Hansson WI.
First in the ring for the jump off Bertram Allen and his grey mare Molly Malone V tore around the course from the word go. The speedy young Irishman pumped the air as he finished clear in 36.86 throwing down the gauntlet to the rest of the pack.
Pieter Devos (BEL) and Claire Z galloped to the last but were slower in 38.72. Philippe Rozier (FRA) ended with 12 faults and Gregory Wathelet (BEL) finished on four faults putting them out of podium contention.
Dutchman Marc Houtzager was clear in 38.09 but his compatriot Harrie Smolders and Don VHP Z pulled off a super tight turn after the vertical to the double combination to finish in 37.06 putting him in third place.
Ben Maher on Explosion W. Photo by Stefano Grasso/LGCT
Edwina’s uncharacteristic 8 faults on California impacted her ranking lead and when Ben Maher (GBR) went clear on Explosion W finishing in 37.71 it was enough for his to take the overall series lead.
Bertram was still in the lead and watching on nervously with younger brother Harry as Olivier Philippaerts and H&M Legend of Love took the first part of the Longines double at an angle and clocked up four faults.
Sameh El Dahan on Suma’s Zorro. Photo by Stefano Grasso/LGCT
Penultimate rider Sameh was fast from the start producing the round of his life on his 14-year-old chestnut mare Suma’s Zorro, co-owned with Joanne Sloan-Allen, flowing perfectly round the course to stop the clock in a winning 36.32
Last to go Peder Fredricson was a major threat but with four faults at the Renault fence, Sameh was home and dry.