ROAD TO ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL: Ben Maher

BEN MAHER

30/01/1983

Ben is, no doubt, a record-breaking rider. He decided he wanted to become a professional rider when he was only 13 and has since then made his way into the jumping Gotha. He has been working very hard and 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 'big boys' he started to grind out hard-to-achieve results and he soon became a mainstay in the British teams. In 2013 he wrote his name in the roll of honour of the prestigious Hickstead Derby and still remains the youngest winner of the historic 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 four participations) has given him great satisfaction: he was team gold at London 2012 and individual gold at Tokyo 2020 where he rode Explosion W, his ‘horse of a lifetime’.

Ben has competed in five editions of the ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL, including the last four. He achieved victory in 2021 aboard Explosion W. Before that, he’d finished third with Tripple X III in 2013.

You’ve already entered the roll of honour of this competition once in (2021 on Explosion W). Is it true that the ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL  holds a very particular atmosphere? What’s your memory of that success?

«This was one of my favourite classes to win so far in my career. The competition is so unique and the crowd and atmosphere that’s created in Geneva is like no other indoor arena. Explosion showed on that evening why he’s such a great champion».

As Tokyo Olympic Champion, how are you approaching Paris 2024?

«I do not change or think about anything different leading up to Paris. I’m very fortunate with my team of horses and people giving me all the support needed to best prepare».

Which horse are you going to enter in the Top Ten and why?

«We have not made a final decision just yet. Faltic has the experience needed for this competition but Enjeu De Grisien is in great form after Madrid recently».

Who would you bet on for the 2023 Top Ten podium?

«I hope that my evening goes well and I can be part of the podium this year. Following that- Steve Guerdat and Martin Fuchs».

Let's play a little game: enter your stable and think about Paris 2024. What is the first box you look at?

«Explosion is the king of our stables but his injury means Dallas Vegas Batilly and Point Break have shown great form this year and they must hold our team up along with the rest of my horses».