Šamorín, Slovakia – October 21, 2021 – Ben Maher (GBR) got off to a great start in his pursuit of the 2021 LGCT Championship title this week during the Longines Global Champions Tour of Samorin CSI 5* & 2*. Once again, the all-time great teamed up with his Olympic Champion partner Explosion W, claiming top honors in the €60,000 GCL Individual Challenge CSI 5* at the X-Bionic Sphere.

The Brit and the 12-year-old chestnut Dutch Warmblood gelding (Chacco-Blue x Baloubet du Rouet) accelerated towards victory in the 1.50m/1.55m challenge, leaving all the poles up for no penalties while crosssing the finishing line in 71.86 seconds.

A grand prix winner last weekend, Marlon Módolo Zanotelli (BRA) showed his maestry once again. The fifth-ranked rider in the world was right on the heels of Maher, guding Luigi d’Eclipse (Catoki / Calato) towards a second-place finish in 72.01 seconds.

One of the most consistent combinations in the sport, Denis Lynch (IRL) and GC Chopin’s Bushi (Contendro II x Nairobi) rounded out the top three with no penalties, crossing the timers in 72.14 seconds.

Final Results – €60,000 Individual GCL – Global Champions League CSI 5*

1) Ben Maher (GBR) & Explosion W – 0 / 71.86

2) Marlon Módolo Zanotelli (BRA) & Luigi d’Eclipse – 0 / 72.01

3) Denis Lynch (IRL) & GC Chopin’s Bushi – 0 / 72.14

Text: Jumper News, no reproduction without permission.

Photo: © LGCT / Stefano Grasso

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