The return of Explosion W: Ben Maher reveals plans for his Olympic hero

Jennifer Donald's avatar
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Published In News
Olympic showjumper Ben Maher pictured at home with his top horse Explosion W
Ben and Explosion
(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Global superstar Explosion W has been hugely missed on the showjumping circuit over the latter half of this year, but the much-loved gelding is set to make a very welcome return in the new year, said his rider Ben Maher.

The 13-year-old “natural born winner”, who with Ben won the Olympic gold medal in Tokyo last year, was last seen in the ring at Aachen in July, where they finished 10th in the Rolex grand prix. Shortly afterwards, Explosion was ruled out of the World Showjumping Championships in Herning, Denmark, with Ben opting to ride Faltic HB instead, and the pair won team bronze and finished fourth in the individual final.

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.