Ben Maher claims the Champagne-Taittinger Ivy Stakes from the front with Ginger-Blue at the London International Horse Show

Friday 15 December 2023

Ben Maher claims the Champagne-Taittinger Ivy Stakes from the front with Ginger-Blue at the London International Horse Show

Ben Maher used his opening draw to set a sizzling target on Ginger-Blue that could not be matched to take the Champagne-Taittinger Ivy Stakes at London International Horse Show at the ExCeL Arena.

“She’s very experienced now and in great form – she won two Grands Prix back-to-back in October and she felt great. She has had a mini break of six to seven weeks – we’re taking care of her and keeping her at peak performance – this was her first class back,” said Ben.

Sixteen of the original 34 starters posted initial clears over Brazilian course-designer Guilherme Jorge’s 12-fence 5* 1.50m track, although two withdrew at this point to leave 14 to battle it out against the clock. It promised to be a hot jump-off but Ben produced the winning round from the front, leaving his rivals to chase the clock in vain.

“The plan was to go as fast as I could and she’s a very fast horse naturally – she moves her legs very quick – so I stick to my plan more with her and don’t get too carried away and make mistakes. I didn’t worry too much about the other 13 riders and I got a good turnback to the last and the jumps came up in the right place for me, we know each other so well,” added Ben, on Jane Forbes Clark’s Plot Blue x Royal Bravour 12-year-old.

Austria’s Max Kuhner came the closest 0.29 seconds in arrears on EIC Cooley Jump The Q.

Ben didn’t concern himself too much watching the others chase him.

“Some were very fast riders but I have my family here to distract me and it was a great start to the week. I’m very lucky, I’ve done everything from buying tickets for seats when I was young to riding ponies to winning the World Cup here over the years – it’s a very special place that holds a lot of memories for me.”

Show ambassador Jodie Hall-McAteer was the next best Brit in fourth on her HOYS Grand Prix winner Hardessa 1.72 seconds in arrears.

Image: Ben Maher and Ginger-Blue Credit: Peter Nixon

 
Recent News Headlines
British Showjumping’s Team Audevard announced for CSIO5* St Gallen FEI Nations Cup British Showjumping’s Team Audevard announced for CSIO5* St Gallen FEI Nations Cup
27/05/2025
Great Britain digs deep to take third place in the Longines CSIO3* EEF Nations Cup of Peelbergen Great Britain digs deep to take third place in the Longines CSIO3* EEF Nations Cup of Peelbergen
24/05/2025
Harrys Charles Claims a Podium Placing in the Rolex Grand Prix at the Royal Windsor Horse Show Harrys Charles Claims a Podium Placing in the Rolex Grand Prix at the Royal Windsor Horse Show
21/05/2025
Alfie Diaper Delivers in Style with STX UK Pony Foxhunter Win Aboard PJV Bella Alfie Diaper Delivers in Style with STX UK Pony Foxhunter Win Aboard PJV Bella
21/05/2025
Holly Gerken and Live Wire Electrify Arena UK with Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Second Round Victory Holly Gerken and Live Wire Electrify Arena UK with Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Second Round Victory
20/05/2025
view news archive »