Abdel Said (EGY) and Bandit Savoie © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 13, 2021 – Under the lights in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), Abdel Said (EGY) and his own Bandit Savoie stole the show with a stunning victory in the $401,000 Fidelity Investments® Grand Prix CSI5*, on Saturday, March 13, as part of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).

In the third CSI5* of the 2021 winter circuit, a field of 39 starters attempted the 1.60m track built by Ireland’s Alan Wade, with nine jumping clear to qualify for the jump-off. Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa set the pace early as the first to return aboard Carlito’s Way 6, owned by Artemis Equestrian Farm, LLC, with a clear jumping effort in a time of 41.45 seconds. Their pace was fast, but the door was left open and those who followed found a way in.

Fourth of nine to return, Cian O’Connor (IRL) and Kilkenny flew around the shortened track, electing to leave a stride out down the final line and the risk paid off. He and the nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Cardento x Mhs Pembrook Lady) owned by Ronnoco Jump Ltd moved into the lead with a clear effort, crossing the timers in 39.09 seconds.

Next to go, Said piloted his 10-year-old Selle Français gelding (Qlassic Bois Margot x Falmera) around the track effortlessly, opting to make up the time through the turns, moving swiftly across the ground in nine strides to the final fence to take over the lead in 38.70 seconds.

Victoria Colvin Claims First and Second in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

Hunter competition continued on the Derby Field at Equestrian Village on Saturday with professional, junior, and amateur riders competing for the top spot in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Well-known hunter rider Victoria Colvin entered the winner’s circle once again taking top honors with JT Farm’s Gabriel, and earned second place with Meralex Farm, Inc.’s El Primero.

Forty-one horse-and-rider combinations were tested over the classic round course, designed by Tom Carlson, of 12 fences with four high options. The top 12 riders were called back to show off their rideability and style over a shortened handy round track including a trot fence. Two panels judged each round, and their scores were then combined for a total score in each round.

Colvin, of Loxahatchee, FL, and Gabriel navigated the classic round course with ease to earn a score of 185. The rider then produced a beautifully ridden handy round to earn another high score of 203 and an overall score of 388 to put the pair at the top of the class. Colvin also earned a handy round score of 202 and an overall score of 385.5 with her other mount, El Primero.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.