Ben Maher wins his 4th USA grand prix
British showjumper Ben Maher continued his superb run of form at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida when snatching victory in the $150,000 CSIO4* grand prix with Urico.
“I think this is probably even more special for me because we took a lot of time with Urico since this time last year,” said Ben. “He certainly feels a very useful horse to go along with Cella and my other horses right now. It is a big milestone and a confidence boost for us.”
Ben finished ahead of USA rider Laura Kraut (Nouvelle) in 2nd, with Ireland’s Cian O’Connor 3rd on Quidam’s Cherie.
On Friday, Ben was part of the British team which finished 2nd to Canada in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup. Ben and the 9-year-old mare Diva were joined by Tim Gredley, who jumped one of only 3 double clears on Unex Chamberlain Z, Gemma Paternoster (Osiris) and Scott Brash (Hello Annie).
Great Britain, which is supported by the UK Sport Lottery funded BEF World Class programme, finished just one penalty behind the leaders.
“Of course it is always nice to win, but the horses all went extremely well and we couldn’t have asked for more,” said performance manager Rob Hoekstra. “Tim Gredley’s double clear with Chamberlain Z was exceptional and should be applauded.”
Don’t miss the full report and behind-the-scenes news and views from Florida in this week’s Horse & Hound (out 6 March).
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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.