ROAD TO ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL: BEN MAHER

BEN MAHER (GREAT BRITAIN) - 30/01/1983

HORSE: DALLAS VEGAS BATILLY

Ben is, no doubt, a record-breaking rider. He has competed in seven editions of the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final including the last six. He achieved victory in 2021 riding Explosion W. Before that, he finished third with Tripple X III in 2013.

He decided he wanted to become a professional rider when he was only 13 and since then he has made his way into the jumping élite. He has worked very hard and the results paid off. Facing difficulties and sacrifice, Ben became a successful young rider (team gold medallist in the European Championship in 2004). When he joined the club of the best rider he started to grind out hard-to-achieve results and he soon became a mainstay of the British teams. In 2013 his name was inscribed on the Roll of Honour of the prestigious Hickstead Derby, and he still remains the youngest winner of the iconic competition. In the same year, he brought the name of a British rider back to the top of the world rankings after a gap of 20 years.

The Olympic stage (Ben counts five participations) has given him great satisfaction: he was team gold at London 2012 and individual gold at Tokyo 2021 where he rode Explosion W, his ‘horse of a lifetime’. Ben was back on the Olympic podium in Paris, where he wore the team gold medal.

Chat on the sidelines

Which horse will you ride in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final this year?

I'm in a very lucky position with my string of horses, and Point Break jumped great in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final last year. So it would be between Point Break, Dallas Vegas Batilly and Enjeu de Grisien. Enjeu is very much in form at the moment, and he likes the indoor arenas, so we'll see how it goes in the coming weeks.

How many times have you been in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final?

I'm not sure... I think this year will be my seventh time.

Which is your best memory from the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final? You won once…

«The best memory? Well, the first time it is always incredible to be part of that, very exciting. But the highlight for me was winning with Explosion in 2021. I believe King Edward was second on that occasion. For Explosion to win after the Olympic Games was really a highlight for our career».

Ben, you are considered a powerful testimonial among show jumping fans. Do you feel any responsibility through your sporting example for young riders?

«Yes, I think we're all an example. Many of us came from different backgrounds, some people are from equestrian families, some others - like myself – are not, but I think it's very important that we present ourselves well in front of the future generations. We should always try and take the time if they stop us or they're watching us in the warm-up area. They represent the enthusiastic eyes of the future».

@IJRC