Olympic hero Tripple X III retired from competition in front of an adoring home crowd in Hickstead’s international arena yesterday (28 July).

The 17-year-old stallion, bred by his London 2012 gold medal-winning rider Ben Maher, looked fit and well as he walked into the ring with Ben in the saddle.

His current rider, Canada’s Tiffany Foster, walked in alongside the pair with the horse’s British and Canadian grooms, Daley Fisher and Caroline Holmberg, as music from Hans Zimmer’s Gladiator soundtrack filled the arena.

The ceremony took place during the coursewalk for the King George V Gold Cup, which the horse won in 2013.

The son of Namelus R looked every inch the champion he is as a highlights reel of his achievements was broadcast on the big screen, pricking his ears as he heard the cheers from crowds witnessing his previous triumphs.

During his 11-year career, Tripple X III helped the British team to European bronze date and won numerous major international grands prix across the world, including Olympia in 2013.

Tiffany took over the reins in 2015 and the horse continued his phenomenal form, including winning team gold at Canada’s home Pan-American Games in 2015 and representing the nation at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“I just love him so much,” said a tearful Tiffany. “It means a lot to me to be able to come here with Ben and for all his British fans to be here, I’m so happy Hickstead has allowed us to do this.”

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

‘I’d do it all again’: watch Nick Skelton and Big Star’s retirement ceremony

A packed Castle Arena gave legends Nick Skelton and Big Star a fitting send-off

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

New partnership sail to King George V glory, but elimination causes late change to placings

The German rider was the clear winner, while an elimination under the blood rule meant a change to second and

Tiffany reflected on what it has been like to compete the horse.

“I think Ben did all the hard work with him and I just got to sail through,” she laughed. “He has never let me down.”

She added it is “really important” to them that the horse retired sound and happy and he will continue to enjoy being ridden and relaxing in his field every day.

Ben then hopped off and unsaddled. A commemorative rug was put on the horse and he paraded around the iconic international arena for a final time to the sound of applause from his fans and Queen’s We Are The Champions playing through the loud speakers.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

London 2012 team gold medal-winner Tripple X III is to be retired from showjumping at the Longines Royal International Horse Show.

The 17-year-old stallion bred and formerly ridden by Ben Maher, was sold in 2014 and has since been ridden by Canadian showjumper Tiffany Foster, who announced his retirement this week.

“It is with some sadness but mainly pride that we have decided to announce Tripple X’s retirement from the sport,” said Tiffany.

“He had what most would consider a full career with Ben and then went on to have another full career with me.”

Hickstead director Lizzie Bunn said Tripple X will be retired in a ceremony on the Sunday of the show (28 July).

“It is fitting that Tripple X III will be retired before this year’s Longines BHS King George V Gold Cup, a class he won in 2013 with Ben Maher,” she said. “It was the pair’s final five-star grand prix win together, and the last time a British rider has won this historic class at Hickstead.

“Tripple X has had a remarkable career in top level showjumping, and who can forget the part he played in helping Team GB to win gold at London 2012. I was so lucky to be at Greenwich that day to see the British team win their first showjumping team gold medal in 60 years.

“It was thrilling jump-off, like the equestrian equivalent of a penalty shootout, and Ben and Tripple X’s fast clear round came at a pivotal time to put real pressure on the Dutch.

“He’s gone on to have international success with Tiffany Foster, and both Ben and Tiffany will be at the Longines Royal International Horse Show. We’re honoured that they have chosen our show for Tripple X’s retirement ceremony, which is sure to be an emotional event as showjumping fans get to say a farewell to one of the most prolific horses in recent years.”

Tiffany and Tripple X were on the Canadian team that took gold at the Pan Am Games in 2015, and finished fourth at the Rio Olympics the following year.

“After a few attempts to bring him back from minor injuries, his owners, Andy and Carlene Ziegler of Artisan Farms, and I have decided that we think it is time for him to retire from international competition,” Tiffany said.

“He is happy and sound now and we want him to stay that way so he can enjoy his time out hacking and in the paddock.

“I can’t really put into words what this horse means to me. All I can say is that for me, he will always be one of the greatest and I will cherish the moments that I had with him.

Continues below…

Full-brother to star showjumper Tripple X III born

Ben Maher's Tripple X III now has a full-brother by Namelus R out of Calve Z

Tales from Rio: ‘We had no money; I did Polly Pocket commercials to pay for lessons’

Meet the friendly, fun and bouncy jet-setting rider of Ben Maher’s former horse Tripple X III who used to act

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

“I will for ever be grateful to Andy and Carlene for trusting me with him, but especially Andy, for letting me borrow him for much longer than we had originally planned! I think we are doing the right thing but it sure is hard to imagine never going in the ring again with him. I love him so much and I always will.”

Tiffany said the stallion will not be available for breeding, but if this changes, an announcement will be made.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Host country Canada claimed team gold at the Pan-American Games — with the help of London 2012 Olympic gold medal-winning horse Tripple X III.

Canadian Tiffany Foster partnered Ben Maher’s former ride in the contest at Caledon Park, Toronto. Her teammates were Yann Candele and Showgirl, Eric Lamaze and Coco Bongo and Ian Millar with Dixon.

Argentina secured silver with the USA — which had won gold in both eventing and dressage at the Pan-Ams — in bronze.

“Captain Canada” Ian Miller — who has competed at a record 10 Olympics — said: “We wanted this so badly for our team and our country.

“The last horse (from Argentina) had to have a fault of some kind. It came down to a fraction of the second in the end.”

Argentina’s Jose Larocca Jr added: “It’s huge for Argentina, it’s been many years since we have had a medal at a Championship like this so it’s very important, very encouraging to the young riders in our country.”

A total of 10 nations — Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Uruguay, USA and Venezuela — fielded teams.

Meanwhile in the individual championships (25 July) gold was won by US rider McLain Ward and Rothchild, while silver went to the Venzuelian Andres Roderiguez (Darlon van Groenhove). The USA’s Lauren Hough and Ohlala took bronze.

The individual medals were decided in a two-way jump-off for gold and silver, while there was a five-way race for the bronze.

“My game plan was to ride the first five fences fast to try to win it two ways. If I had a fence down I would still be fast enough — and I was lucky at the last (fence), I gave that a bit of a rattle. But I’ve never won a big one without a little bit of good fortune,” said McLain.

“I knew the courses would get bigger as the week went on and that would suit Rothchild. He’s a blood horse and a stamina test suits him, but I knew I couldn’t make a mistake — it was a tough day’s work.”

Olympic qualification was also hanging in the balance — with Canada and Argentina claming the two team spots for Rio 2016. Two individual qualifying spots have been earned by both Colombia and Venezuela, and one each by Uruguay and Peru.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Canadian showjumper Tiffany Foster is to keep the ride on Tripple X III — Ben Maher’s gold medal-winning Olympic partner.

The 12-year-old stallion was sold to Eric Lamaze’s Torrey Pines Stables in April, following a dispute between Ben and his long-term backers Mike and Emma Phillips.

And now the Canadian 2008 Olympic gold medallist has sold Tripple X III. The horse has been bought by Artisan Farms LLC, who Eric rides for.

“When I purchased the horse, it was with the intention to resell,” said Eric.

“After seeing the horse compete, Andy and Carlene [Ziegler] decided they would like to purchase Tripple X and keep him as part of the Artisan Farms family.”

While under Eric’s ownership his teammate Tiffany competed Tripple X III at the CSI3* Le Touquet, France, and CSIO5* Rome, Italy. 

Last week (5 June) at the CSI5* Spruce Meadows National tournament the pair finished 2^nd to Eric and Artisan Farms LLC’s Powerplay in the $85,000 1.55m Spectra Energy Cup.

The Artisan Farms team is based in Vrasene, Belgium, and Wellington, Florida and are backers of both Eric and Tiffany.

Last year the Ziegler family of Artisan Farms were named Jump Canada’s owner of the year for the second time, after winning in 2011.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Ben Maher’s former ride Tripple X III has been out competing again — under Canadian Tiffany Foster.

The 12-year-old stallion, who won team gold at the London 2012 Olympics with Ben Maher was sold last month (16 April) to Canadian showjumper Eric Lamaze’s company Torrey Pines.

Eric’s Canadian teammate Tiffany competed Tripple X at Le Touquet last week (8-9 May).

Tiffany has been working with Olympic gold medallist Eric since 2006, and has been jumping internationally since 2011 — including representing Canada in Nations Cup teams.

The pair finished 14th in the CSI3* Equidia Life class (8 May) and 51st in the CSI 3* Touquet Tourisme (8 May).

There is no confirmation that Tiffany will be Tripple X’s permanent new partner.

A spokesman for Eric told H&H “there is no comment from either Tiffany or Eric at this time”.

Tripple X, who is by Namelus R, was bred and produced by Ben.

The horse was sold as part of an ongoing legal wrangle between Ben and his long-term backers Emma and Mike Phillips. Due to the dispute between Ben and the Phillipses, the sale agreement was settled after a High Court hearing.

Photo by Christophe Bricot

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Following the news that Tripple X III has been sold to a new owner, we look back at highlights of the brilliant stallion’s career, which include helping Britain to win an Olympic team gold medal in 2012 and European team bronze in 2011.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Ben Maher’s Olympic team gold medal-winning partner Tripple X III has been sold, as part of an ongoing legal wrangle between the showjumper and the horse’s co-owners, Ben’s long-term backers Emma and Mike Phillips.

It has been confirmed that Canadian showjumper Eric Lamaze’s company Torrey Pines has bought the horse, after putting in an offer of €1.4million (£1.1m) earlier this month.

An agreement for the sale of the 12-year-old stallion by Namelus R, who was bred and produced by Ben, was finalised last week (16 April). Due to the dispute between Ben and the Phillipses, the agreement was settled in court.

Ben brought an interim appeal to the High Court to force the horse’s sale earlier this month (10 April) after receiving an offer from Torrey Pines. He believed this was a “one-time offer”, hence the speed of the case.

Both sides had already agreed the horse needed to be sold, but could not agree the terms. Without each party’s consent, a sale of the partnership’s “most valuable asset” could not take place.

Ben’s lawyers claimed “a failure to sell now would lead to decline in value”, as purchasers aiming at the World Equestrian Games would rapidly “fall out of the picture”.

A ‘wasting asset’

Complications between the parties meant the process was held up, despite various offers.

The court heard how, in the middle of March, Eric Lamaze expressed an interest in the horse.

The Phillipses felt the offer “undervalued” Tripple X — especially in light of the sale of Olympic team and individual silver medal winner Eurocommerce London for €8.6m (£7.1m) on 7 April (news, 17 April).

But last week (16 April), after the initial hearing, an agreement was reached between both parties, who “had a clear desire” to sign for a sale.

After the outcome, Ben’s lawyer said in court they were “delighted, albeit late in the day”.

When contacted by H&H afterwards, neither party would comment further.

A blow for British showjumping?

Although the buyer is Canadian showjumper Eric Lamaze — who won individual gold and team silver at the 2008 Olympics with his famous stallion Hickstead — the new rider for Tripple X III has not been confirmed.

When contacted by H&H last week, a spokesman for Eric said he had “no comment at this time”.

Despite victories with the horse in the King George V Gold Cup at Hickstead last summer and at Olympia’s grand prix in December, Tripple X has become Ben’s second string to Cella, the extraordinary grey mare owned by American Jane Clark.

Ben and Cella won team gold and individual European silver last year and London’s first Global Champions Tour grand prix last June.

Tripple X III will be the second of Britain’s 2012 team gold horses to be sold, after Peter Charles’ ride Vindicat W was purchased by the Springsteens.

In this week’s H&H, we report on the acrimonious High Court case involving Ben Maher and Mike and Emma Phillips — co-owners of his Olympic gold medal-winning ride, Tripple X III.

The Phillipses say that Ben owes them hundreds of thousands of pounds from horse purchases and sales made on their behalf.

Ben is expected to emphatically dispute those claims.

Don’t miss this week’s H&H, out today (Thursday, 5 December). 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Calve Z, dam of Ben Maher’s Tripple X III, has given birth to a full-brother to the star showjumper, by the Concorde stallion Namelus R.

The colt is yet to be named.

Last month (30 May) a full-sister was born by embryo transfer at Quainton Stud.

On 5 May Ben Maher and his likely Olympic ride Tripple X III landed the €285,000 Global Champions Tour grand prix of Spain.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (28 June 2012)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Ben Maher landed the €285,000 Global Champions Tour grand prix of Spain with Tripple X III on Saturday (5 May).

And, in another great weekend for British showjumping, Michael Whitaker filled the runner-up spot on Viking. Ireland’s Denis Lynch on Abbervail Van Het Dingeshof took third in the three-round decider in Valencia.

This was Ben’s first GCT victory.

“He jumped amazingly today,” said Ben of his home-bred Namelus R stallion, now co-owned with Michael and Emma Phillips of Quainton Stud.

“I can’t fault him – there were a lot of jumps on the grand prix course here and a big track. Everything’s come together on the right day,” he added.

Five riders made it through to the third and final round, but only the two British riders managed to remain clear against the clock.

Ben and 10-year-old Tripple X were almost 1sec quicker than Michael Whitaker and Viking.

“I am very pleased,” said Michael of the 10-year-old gelding. “It really suited him – I didn’t realise I was going to find it so easy,” he added.

Denis Lynch was quicker than both British riders, but lost his chances when Abbervail Van Het Dingeshof had a rail at the third fence.

Denis has moved up to second place in the GCT rankings after this, the second leg. Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander still leads the series.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now