June 7, 2026 
If your first thought upon reading that headline was who the *heck* is Wathnan Zasou vom Claashof? You’re not alone.
Also, you’re not wrong.
Abdel Saïd described his latest LGCT Grand Prix winning mount as “green at the level” and it’s hardly an exaggeration. The 12-year-old Hanoverian mare has just six starts at the 1.60m height. Despite being in his string for two years and in regular rotation in international competition.
The pair made their 1.60m debut in St Tropez last May. It was three months before they took another crack at it in October and then another six before they tried again. In between? A steady stream of 1.35m, 1.40m, 1.45m and 1.50m classes.
His building efforts paid off in Cannes on Saturday with an effortless appearing jump off that belied her experience at the height.
From the very first fence, Wathnan Zasou vom Claashof and the Belgian rider sliced angles, attacking every turn and gaining time at every split to stop the clock nearly two seconds fastest in 39.44. Michael Pender and HHS Cyprus took second in 41.35, while Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann and Cellagon Cascais completed the podium in a distant 43.44.
“I’m very proud of my mare,” said Saïd. “She’s unbelievable. I’m not a rider who goes in for third place, so we had a go and she answered all the questions.”
Saïd has now booked his golden ticket to the Super Grand Prix in Riyadh. The world might not have know Wathnan Zasou vom Claashof before this weekend. But after Cannes it’s clear she’s one to watch.
The LGCT next heads to Saint-Tropez, June 11-13.
Simon Delestre stays atop the championship leadboard with 118.67 points ahead of Katrin Eckermann on 104 points. LGCT Grand Prix of Cannes winner Said now moves into 3rd on 100 points.
