Wellington, Florida, United States – April 13, 2025 – British Olympic Champion Ben Maher (GBR) ended his 2025 season in Wellington, FL, with back-to-back victories on the grass derby field during the Spring Series, presented by Florida Coast Equipment. One day after a speed victory with Exit Remo, Maher returned on Sunday in the irons of Ginger-Blue, owned by Jane Forbes Clark, to win the $120,000 Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix CSI 3*. The Wellington International Spring Series continues for five weeks through May 11 and is highlighted by two CSI3* competitions.
Over tracks designed by Mexico’s Ana Catalina “Catsy” Cruz, Maher stole the lead from Lacey Gilbertson (USA) aboard 10-year-old mare Loulou MPSZ (Lord Pezie Junior x Semper Fi). She set the standard at 37.77 seconds for owner Seabrook.
Canada’s Chris Pratt (CAN) jumped Ideaal ES, owned by Take The High Road, onto the podium in third. The 12-year-old gelding (Ukato x Conway) stopped the clock at 38.42 seconds.
“She naturally has a lot of ground speed, but her stride is not the biggest so all the distances were moving,” said Maher of Ginger-Blue. Both will now take a break from the competition ring before heading to Europe. “She’s a very experienced horse and everything came up right for me today—it was a great end to the Wellington season for my team.”
As Ginger-Blue takes a well-deserved respite in the paddock, Maher too will rest and recover. “I have been breaking all the rules to compensate for my injured foot. I’ve adjusted where the stirrup sits and the horses are helping me for sure with different weight and balance placement.”
Maher has been competing Ginger-Blue at Wellington International since the beginning of the mare’s nine-year-old year with steadfast support from the mount’s owner, Jane Forbes Clark, who was watching ringside on Sunday. “I’ve been working with Jane for 14 years now and getting a win in Wellington is always a little extra special because we can do it in front of her and my family.”
Final Results – $120,000 Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix CSI 3*
1) Ben Maher (GBR) & Ginger Blue – 0 / 0 – 37.33
2) Lacey Gilbertson (USA) & Lou Lou MPSZ – 0 / 0 – 37.77
3) Chris Pratt (CAN) & Ideaal ES – 0 / 0 – 38.42
Source: Press Release from Wellington International
Photos: © Wellington International / Cassidy Klein / Sportfot
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Categories: CSI 3*, English, Jumper News Great Britain, Wellington International
