Olympia leading rider Ben Maher talks about London 2012

Ben Maher has topped off a successful week at Olympia by being crowned leading rider at the London International Horse Show.

The Hertfordshire-based rider clinched the award following the biggest win of his career to date – the FEI Rolex World Cup qualifier on Sunday (18 December).

His thrilling round on the nine-year-old black stallion Tripple X III – owned jointly by Ben and Quainton Stud – saw the pair shave 0.35sec off the time posted by Germany’s Marcus Ehning and his vastly more experienced mare, Sabrina.

Exclusive video: Ben talks about his Olympic hopes

Ben picked up several top results throughout the show with his string, starting with an emphatic win on Milena 8 in the Christmas speed stakes on the first day of international showjumping (15 December).

He won a second speed stakes with Milena on Sunday (18 December) and notched up a number of placings throughout the week – bringing his prize money to £37,413.

In other positive news, Ben has revealed that his top ride Robin Hood W will be back out competing soon. “His fitness plan is going really well and I plan to take him to Florida with me in the New Year.”

Ben has also recently acquired Cloud Nine (see video), a nine-year-old by Lando, who has been jumping at Foxhunter level, but who Ben hopes will be a Nations Cup horse next year. The attractive grey stallion was bought by Ben’s long-time owner Lynsey Cook.

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