Ben Maher Scoops 2018 LGCT Title

Ben Maher and his ride have scooped the 2018 LGCT Title during a thrilling finale in Rome’s blistering heat.

The Olympic Gold medallist and horse, Explosion W, have been dubbed as one of the most phenomenal combinations in show jumping following their win of the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of 2018 as well as taking the overall Championship title.

Ben and the extraordinary nine year old Expolsion W, owned by Poden Fsrms’, have this season dominated the individual championship.

Ben and the chestnut gelding wowed spectators with a spectacular jump off, securing their place in LGCT history. A total of combinations 35 had qualified to attempt the course, with only five making it through to the jump off.

The new LGCT Champion of Champions said after his victory:

It has been an incredible season, I can’t quite believe it. It is great to be back in the top end of the sport. Explosion W is incredibly fast, I have never ridden a horse as fast without really pushing him. What a horse. Explosion is phenomenal for his age.

I have a lot to thank Poden Farms and the Moffitt family for for supporting me, it is a team effort. To finish in style like this is something I will savour for some time. To win is a dream come true.

Ben now has his sights set on the GC Playoffs in Prague and the inaugural LGCT Super Grand Prix. Qualification came after his Madrid LGCT Grand Prix Win, and Ramatuelle/Saint-Tropez. He was also placed second in Shanghai.

As per the rules, as this was Ben’s third win he sacrificed his ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix to second placed rider, Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden.

The final round of the 17-event season will be held in Doha. This is when Ben will be crowned 2018 Champion of Champions.