How a strange premonition led to a $1million victory

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Published In Features
CALGARY, AB - SEPTEMBER 9: Sameh El Dahan of Egypt riding Suma's Zorro winds in the individual jumping equestrian on the final day of the Masters tournament at Spruce Meadows on September 9, 2018 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Sameh placed first with a jump-off time of 42.210 seconds and 0 faults. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
CALGARY, AB - SEPTEMBER 9: Sameh El Dahan of Egypt riding Suma's Zorro winds in the individual jumping equestrian on the final day of the Masters tournament at Spruce Meadows on September 9, 2018 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Sameh placed first with a jump-off time of 42.210 seconds and 0 faults. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

“I woke up this morning with a strange feeling that you need to compete at Spruce Meadows and that you are going to win…” so said Irish horsewoman Joanne Sloan Allen one summer morning over a cup of coffee.

She was talking to Egyptian rider Sameh El Dahan, who rides her brilliant little chestnut mare Suma’s Zorro, and this premonition was to set them on a path to winning the world’s richest grand prix, the CP International at Spruce Meadows in Canada.

Jennifer Donald
Jennifer Donald
Showjumping and racing editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.