London, England – December 15, 2023 – Five-star jumping made an exciting return to the London International Horse Show CSI 5*-W and three British riders stole the spotlight on the opening day, Guy Williams (GBR), Matthew Sampson (GBR) and Ben Maher (GBR), winning the €30,000 LeMieux Puissance CSI 5*-W, The €26,200 Christmas Pudding Speed Stakes CSI 5*-W and the € 37,000 Champagne-Taittinger Ivy Stakes CSI 5*-W respectively.
Later in the day, the €37,000 Champagne-Taittinger Ivy Stakes witnessed 35 participants taking on the two-round challenge. The victory in this event, a long-standing favourite at London International Horse Show, was claimed by Ben Maher (GBR) and Ginger Blue. Several British pairs, such as the Show’s Ambassadors, Harry Charles and Jodie Hall-McAteer, as well as the legendary John Whitaker (GBR), jumped clear in the first round. Matt Sampson (GBR), eager to establish a winning streak following The Christmas Pudding Speed Stakes, rode the experienced 17-year-old stallion Daniel and delivered a flawless first round, adding to Great Britain’s chances in the competition.
The jump-off featured 14 combinations from eight different nations. Demonstrating his prowess as the World No. 2, Maher, aboard Ginger-Blue, set the standard as the first to go. He executed a heart-stopping round, including a remarkable sixpence turn to the vertical Post Box fence at number four, which posed a challenge for several other combinations. Maher’s unbeatable winning time of 34.54 seconds remained unchallenged until the last combination, Max Kühner (AUT) and EIC Cooley Jump the Q, who came within one second of the winning time. Kendra Claricia from Germany secured the third spot, commendably riding the same winning lines on Do it Easy as Maher with precision, but fell short by just 1.14 seconds.
Speaking on his win and about Ginger-Blue, Maher said: “I’m very happy, it is great to get a win this early on in the week, I love this time of year and seeing everyone here at London International Horse Show. It was a long wait, being first to go with 14 in the jump-off, but Ginger-Blue is a naturally fast horse and it all worked out in the end. She’s experienced and we have a long-term partnership. I’m looking forward to riding her in the London Grand Prix on Monday, a class in which she came second in a couple of years ago.”
Final Results – €37,000 Champagne-Taittinger Ivy Stakes CSI 5*-W
1) Ben Maher (GBR) & Ginger Blue – 0 / 0 – 35.54
2) Max Kühner (IRL) & EIC Cooley Jump the Q – 0 / 0 – 35.83
3) Kendra Claricia Brinkop (GER) & Do It Easy – 0 / 0 – 36.68
Source: Press Release from Niki McEwen / Revolution World for the London International Horse Show
Photo: © London International Horse Show / Peter Nixon
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Categories: English
