Ben Maher finishes 3rd in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen
Sunday 21 July 2019
The winner of the €1m Rolex Grand Prix 2019 eventually came from the USA in the form of Kent Farrington with the Belgian-bred mare Gazelle. Daniel Deusser was the last to go in the jump-off with Tobago Z and had the chance to steal away Kent’s triumph. Tobago gave his very best, but ultimately Gazelle did her name justice by holding her lead with their clear in a time of 43.98 seconds relegating Daniel to 2nd place with their clear in a time of 44.35 seconds.
Third place went to Ben Maher and the powerful big jumping Explosion W owned by Poden Farms. Ben and the Chacco-Blue son had already demonstrated their skills on Wednesday in the Prize of Europe and the pair also looked like they might take the victory, up until the penultimate fence, when the rail fell. Having a fence towards the end of a course is heart-wrenching at any time, but with them stopping the clock in the fastest time of the jump-off make it all the harder. The World Champions Simone Blum and Alice, who also picked up four faults, finished behind them in fourth place.
Talking after the competition Ben said he was disappointed “but at the same time also very happy! Explosion is incredible. He is so uncomplicated and loves the sport!”
For full results visit www.chioaachen.de
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