Big win for Ben Maher and Tripple X III in Spain

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.

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