Sameh El Dahan triumphs in world’s richest Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows Masters

Despite an overcast sky and cooler temperatures than the previous week, there were several thousand spectators on hand Sunday for the Grand Prix in Spruce Meadow’s International Ring. And for what is considered to be one of the most difficult Grand Prix on the planet, with the biggest prize purse – CDN $3 million (£1,757,885 or US $2,279,070) – course designer Leopoldo Palacios laid out a challenge worthy of the top riders in the world. Massive dimensions, difficult combinations, technical and demanding lines – all were on the program for the 42nd edition of this Grand Prix. In fact, Palacios explained that, “The course is challenging and tough – it’s for the biggest prize in the world. I’ve built two Olympics and (the course for) this class is tougher than the finals there.”

It was the Netherlands’ Maikel van der Vleuten who rode the first double clear rounds of the competition. Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat was not able to emulate him and left the arena with nine penalty points. Then Egypt’s Sameh El Dahan offered the public a superb faultless ride to qualify for the jump-off. That left the Canadian public waiting for their favourite Eric Lamaze, but the star rider’s lovely mount Fine Lady 5 could not avoid two mistakes at the last two obstacles.

In the end, the tie-breaking jump-off would determine the winner. Van der Vleuten, first to go, rode clear again, crossing the finish line in 42.98s. But El Dahan, winner of the Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping Grand Prix in early July, would end up having the last word. The Egyptian, whose nickname is ‘Sam’ and whose sporting hero is U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps, stopped the clock in a time of 42.21s, claiming the biggest victory of his career. “The feeling is really indescribable,” he said. “I need a few days to make sure everything sinks in and believe that this actually happened. It’s something every rider dreams of to win such a prestigious event at such a prestigious place such as Spruce Meadows. I’m over the moon and delighted — a feeling I will never forget.

“For sure, this is one of the biggest achievements of my career.”