Speed was the name of the game today at Wellington International during the CSI5* Bainbridge Companies 1.50m Classic, the second qualifying class for Saturday night’s Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix.

 61 Starters, 18 Clear Rounds

Out of 61 starters, 18 combinations managed to jump clear over a fast and flowing course. Run under a Table A against the clock format, only the quickest and most accurate rounds would earn a coveted spot in Saturday’s Grand Prix.

Conor Swail Sets the Pace

The first clear of the day came from Conor Swail (IRL) aboard My Lady Levista, setting the early standard with a time of 65.34 seconds.

Abdel Said Takes Control

But it was Abdel Said (BEL), eight in the order, who laid down the challenge with a bold and fluid round aboard Calvaro, finishing in a blazing 62.71 seconds.
He remained at the top of the leaderboard for most of the class, applying real pressure on the rest of the field. That pressure proved decisive, leading several favorites to take big risks — and make costly mistakes.

Chasing the Clock

Richard Vogel (GER) and Levi Noesar secured second place with a fast round in 63.37 seconds, while Cian O’Connor (IRL) and Canbella Blue PS took third in 63.63 seconds.

Final Top 3:

1.Abdel Said (BEL) & Calvaro – 62.71s

2.Richard Vogel (GER) & Levi Noesar – 63.37s

3.Cian O’Connor (IRL) & Canbella Blue PS – 63.63s

Abdel Said
“I'm really delighted with Calvaro. I think he’s a fantastic horse, and I’m very excited about his future. He’s only 9 years old, extremely smart, and really forward-thinking. So I’m thrilled to have qualified for tomorrow.

We went in unqualified, so of course there was a bit more pressure. But the plan was to go in strong, and it worked out! Now I’m looking forward to jumping the Rolex Grand Prix tomorrow at the first U.S. Open event. Hopefully we’ll talk again then!”