Ben Maher claims explosive win on home turf at London LGCT
photo by: Lewis Harding Photography Develop to perform
23 - 24 NOVEMBER 2019 ADDINGTON EC, BUCKS
B
ritish Olympian Ben Maher scored an emphatic victory on home turf today (3 August) to claim the LGCT Grand Prix of London, presented by Tennor, in front of an enthusiastic sell-out crowd
in front of the stunning Royal Hospital Chelsea backdrop. Riding the exceptionally talented 10-year-old gelding Explosion W in the spectacular Thames-side arena, Ben sailed over Alan Wade’s challenging courses clear in an unassailable 35.98 seconds. Of the four clears in the 12-strong jump-off, his was the only one under 36 seconds. It marked the popular rider’s first grand prix win of the season. “The best win is to win at home,” said a delighted Ben, who was quick to praise his mount. “To ride probably the best horse in the world is an incredible feeling. Explosion and I started the year a little slower and he’s had two GCT seconds, but I took all of the risks today. He felt incredible and deserved this win.” Ben’s win elevates him to second place on the current overall 2019
LGCT ranking behind the leader, Belgium’s Pieter Devos. As Ben has already qualified for the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Playoffs in Prague in November, the golden ticket passed down to second-placed Shane Sweetnam. The Irish rider went second in the jump-off on the lovely grey gelding Alejandro, setting the bar high with a clear round in 37.44 seconds that only one rider could surpass. Another Irishman rounded out the podium, with last-to-go Darragh
Kenny riding a beautifully judged round on the inexperienced Classic Dream, who at nine years old, was the youngest horse in the entire starting field of 34. Niels Bruynseels (BEL) and Jenson van’t Meulenhof was the fourth and final double clear round, while the Canadian Eric Lamaze came agonisingly close to the podium with a fast round in 37.35 seconds as the penultimate to jump. But as the back rail of final fence clattered to the sand, his hopes of challenging for the lead were dashed and he finished fiſth. The only other British rider in the jump-off, Robert Whitaker on Catwalk IV, had to settle for eighth place aſter lowering the vertical fence aſter the double combination. In the first round, it was the delicate triple combination that provoked the most issues, and the time allowed of 71 seconds also claimed victims, prevented some talented combinations from progressing into the hotly contested jump-off. The Chelsea Pensioners — whom the LGCT have been fundraising
for — took part in the prize-giving ceremonies, while the horses were flanked by members of the Household Cavalry to add to the equestrian spectacle. Ben’s victory — which handed him total €99,00 of the €300,000
prize-fund for the class — brings the British tally at the London leg of the LGCT to five: he has now won it twice, and compatriot Scott Brash has donned the winner’s sash a remarkable three times. He couldn’t repeat the feat this time, as he and Hello Mr President lowered a fence in the first round. The Longines Global Champions Tour now moves on to leg 15, which
takes place in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands, 9-11 August. For full results visit
www.globalchampionstour.com and for further
information contact Anna Goodrum (Global Champions Tour Press Officer) on 07585 551170 or Maria Haig (British Showjumping - Communications) on 07920 453153
Book online today:
www.britishdressage.co.uk
Join Danish star Daniel Bachmann Andersen, plus British dressage legends Chris Bartle and Michael Eilberg for the National Convention, supported by Harrison Clark Rickerbys.
Work through the scales of training and develop to perform! Here’s what to expect:
• Cross training techniques including polework
• Test riding tips • Exercises for all horse and pony types • Young horse foundations • Demos from Prelim to Grand Prix
THE BRITISH DRESSAGE NATIONAL CONVENTION
Brand new venue and format for 2019!
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