Ben Maher & Point Break Conquer the €105,500 Equita Masters CSI 5*-W

By Jumper News on 2024-11-03

Lyon, France – November 02, 2024 – The top 30 couples from last night’s major class were competing in the prestigious €105,500 Equita Masters CSI 5*-W, presented by Hermès Sellier, this Saturday evening. After two exciting rounds, the British Olympic champion and Hermès partner rider Ben Maher (GBR) took first place. Riding Point Break, he produced the only double clear round of the evening, finishing ahead of yesterday’s winner, Victor Bettendorf (LUX) on Cancun Torel Z. Defending champion Steve Guerdat (SUI) came third with Albfuehren’s Iashin Sitte.

Winner’s Circle

Ben Maher (GBR) – Winner of the Equita Masters presented by Hermès Sellier: “It’s an incredible feeling to be back here in Lyon, which I think is one of the best indoor competitions in the world. The crowd really get behind all the riders with a lot of enthusiasm! For us, the riders in the arena, the atmosphere is a real challenge, as much as the line-up of great riders, which is always top notch. In the end, I was the only rider to do a double clear round, but the format of the class meant that we had to ride very, very fast, whatever position we were in before the second round. It always feels good to get a win and I’d like to dedicate this one to my whole team! The indoor setting really suits Point Break, just like the course proposed by the course designer this evening. In the first round, he showed all his skill, particularly over the final obstacles which came up very quickly and we saw just how much they could push riders into making faults. It’s definitely a great source of pride for me to win against such an incredible field of riders. Of course, I’m hoping for the same result with Dallas Vegas Batilly in the Longines FEI World Cup, but tomorrow is another day and anything can happen. But she’s a French mare, and I hope she’ll put in a great performance in front of her home crowd.”

Final Results – €105,500 Equita Masters CSI 5*-W

1) Ben Maher (GBR) & Point Break – 0 / 0 – 41”04

2) Victor Bettendorf (LUX) & Cancul Torel Z – 4 / 0 – 40”96

3) Steve Guerdat (SUI) & Albfuehren’s Iashin Sitte – 0 / 4 – 41”58

FULL RESULTS

COURSE MAP

Source: Press Release from Longines Equita Lyon