Abdel Saïd Soars to Opening CSI5* Win With Captain Future

Abdel Saïd
Photo: LGCT / Stefano Grasso

The first day of competition at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Cascais lifted off in style, with a tidy win from Abdel Saïd (EGY) and S I E C Captain Future Z. As the battle for the Global Champions League and Longines Global Champions Tour series shoot past the midway point, this morning’s 1.45m class was a gentle prelude to the competition to come.

First to really set the pace was Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) with VDL Groep Quatro, who shot around the large arena to stop the clock in 25.83s. The pair look to be in strong form, easily powering into the lead and making short work of the tricky 13 fence course.

Ben Maher (GBR) and Diva II powered through the second phase, looking extremely comfortable as the chestnut mare cruised around the arena, looking more than comfortable on grass surface. The pair stopped the clock in 25.15s, just tenths away from Maikel van der Vleuten (NED).

Notable clears came from top Brazilian riders, Marlon Módolo Zanotelli (BRA) with Celena VDL and Yuri Mansur Guerios (BRA) with Babylotte, who took third and fourth respectively. Also looking on form was Gonzalo Añón Suarez (ESP) with AD Amigo B as well as home favourites Mario Wilson Fernandes (POR) with Jasper van’t Gestelhof and Luís Sabino Gonçalves (POR) with Hilde Imperio Egipcio.

But it was Egypt’s Abdel Saïd (EGY) who set off with serious intent on S I E C Captain Future Z, the plucky little grey soaring around the second phase course. Light in the air, and well suited to the flowing layout, the pair pushed to the finish, stopping the clocks in 24.72s.

Edited press release: Global Champions Tour

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