Abdel Saïd (BEL) made his debut under the Trelawny Trailblazers’ moniker an impactful one by winning the $117,000 5* Qualifier, presented by LeMieux, held on Thursday during Leg 5 of Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) at Tryon International. The win and additional eight points were enough for the Trelawny Trailblazers to overtake Maccabi United at the top of the overall team standings.
Saïd was called up to the Trelawny Trailblazers just three days ago when the League transfer window opened.
“Initially, I was supposed to be on a different team and when [team owner] Cara [Raether Carey] knew I was available, she picked up a conversation with me,” said Saïd about his recent addition to the roster of the 2024 season champions. “They’re a great team and I have very good horses at the moment, so when I saw the opportunity, I wanted to give something back to my team and give my horses a fair chance to be part of a good team.”
The win for the world no. 18 came over tracks set by course designer Peter Grant (CAN). Only one hundredth of a second separated Saïd and winning mount Calvaro from fellow Trailblazer Conor Swail (IRL) aboard Clonterm Obolensky for owner Oliver Raymond Glancy. The Belgian stopped the clock at 36.66 seconds over Swail’s 36.67 seconds.
Elena Haas (USA) finished third for the Rainmakers in 36.77 seconds riding Claude. Three Canadians placed top-10: Erynn Ballard and Ashley de Talm, 6th; Mario Deslauriers and Genial de B’Neville (7th); and Tiffany Foster with Electrique (10th).
Calvaro, a 9-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Cascadello x Quidam De Revel), didn’t let age play a factor on Thursday and further proved his developing talent. “I think he’s one of the best—if not the best—horses that I’ve ever ridden,” said Saïd, who has built a business developing young horses for top sport. “He has a lot of blood, energy and a great character. I know he can be really fast, so I went in and rode my round.
“A couple of years back, I realized that I need to produce good young horses; buy them young and produce them,” continued Saïd. “I pick and choose when they’re ready, and they’re coming up now which makes my life a lot easier.”
Action at MLSJ Tryon continues on Friday as teams go to battle in the $262,500 5* Team Competition, presented by Cabana Coast, live at 7 pm ET. For more information on Major League Show Jumping and to view complete schedules, rosters and more, visit majorleagueshowjumping.com.
Complete results from the $117,000 5* Qualifier, presented by LeMieux, can be found here.
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