Ben Maher Wins the $5,000,000 CPKC International CSIO 5*, presented by Rolex

By Jumper News on 2026-09-14

Calgary, Canada – September 13, 2026 – The final day of the 2026 Spruce Meadows Masters CSIO 5* & CSI 2* was one for the history books as the world’s best show jumping athletes gathered to challenge the $5,000,000 CPKC International CSIO 5*, presented by Rolex.

Germany’s Richard Vogel entered the competition with an opportunity to make history, seeking a third consecutive victory in a Rolex Grand Slam Major. Standing in his way was a challenging two-round Grand Prix course designed by FEI Course Designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN), alongside his team of skilled course designers, and a field of 39 top-level competitors.

Following the first round, the top 12 athletes advanced to Round Two, returning in reverse order of merit with their first-round scores carried forward. Seven athletes produced clear rounds, while Nayel Nassar (EGY) finished on a single time fault and McLain Ward (USA), Christian Kukuk (GER), Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Ben Maher (GBR) all carried four faults into the second round.

Vogel was among the seven athletes to jump clear in Round One, alongside Lillie Keenan (USA), Katie Laurie (NZL), Sameh El Dahan (EGY), Yuri Mansur (BRA), Daniel Coyle (IRL) and Roy Van Beek (BEL).

After an exciting second round, six athletes finished tied on four faults, sending the competition to a jump-off to determine the winner.

**Ben Maher** (GBR) & **Enjeu de Grisien**

Maher was one of the first riders into the jump-off and delivered exactly what was required. Aboard Enjeu de Grisien, the British Olympian produced a brilliant clear round in 41.40 seconds, setting a target that would prove untouchable.

Vogel followed, but an unfortunate rail in the double combination ended his hopes of completing the Rolex Grand Slam.

When final rider Lillie Keenan (USA), crossed the finish line, Maher’s time remained unbeaten, securing the 2026 CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex title for the British rider and Enjeu de Grisien.

The 2026 CPKC International delivered a thrilling conclusion worthy of the Masters.

“They’re (the Rolex Grand Slam Majors) tough competitions to win. We travel year-round to 5* events, but the Rolex Majors are the pinnacle of the sport and we keep coming back and we keep trying.” Ben Maher (GBR) on his victory at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’.

This year, CPKC continued its Clear Rounds for Heart Health initiative, benefiting the Libin Cardiovascular Institute. For every clear round jumped in the CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex — including clear rounds that included time faults — CPKC donated $10,000 to the Libin Cardiovascular Institute.