Explosion W ruled out of World Showjumping Championships

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Ben Maher riding Explosion W to win gold in the Olympic showjumping individual final: Ben has also been planning his wedding while in Tokyo
Ben Maher ( GBR) riding Explosion W in the Jumping Individual Final for the Olympic Jumping Competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games held at Equestrian Park in Setagaya-ku in Tokyo in Japan between the 23rd July and 8th August 2021
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

The Olympic champion Ben Maher’s gold medal-winning ride Explosion W has been ruled out of contention for next week’s World Showjumping Championships in Herning, Denmark (10-14 August) it has been confirmed today (Wednesday, 3 August).

A statement from Ben said: “We’re incredibly disappointed to have to take this decision but Explosion W just isn’t quite at his peak fitness to take on the demands of this championship. He’s well in himself but jumping championship tracks over consecutive days takes a great deal of stamina. He’s simply too special a horse to risk so, with his welfare at the forefront of my mind I felt this was the best action.”

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.