Ben Maher and Cella out of WEG squad

One of our top showjumping horses, Ben Maher’s ride Cella, will not compete at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Over-reach

The 12-year-old grey mare is said to have over-reached during training, and will no longer be part of Team GB’s showjumping squad.

It is a massive blow for the team. Ben, currently ranked number three in the world, was a team gold medallist at London 2012, and he rode Cella to win team gold and individual silver at the European Championships last summer.

“Cella is a once in a lifetime horse and with her welfare at the forefront of our minds, [owner] Jane Clark and I have made the sad decision to withdraw from the World Equestrian Games,” said Ben. “She will recover at home this week and I wish my team mates the best of luck in Normandy.”

Replacements

Jessie Drea was been given the call-up for France and will go to Normandy as the travelling reserve.

“It is sad that Cella, with all her experience, is out of the competition, however I am pleased that Jessie who is a talented up and coming rider gets the opportunity to go to her first senior Championship,” saidChef d’mission Will Connell.

Team named

The team now comprises Scott Brash (Hello Sanctos),Joe Clee (Utamaro d’Ecaussines), Spencer Roe (Wonder Why) and Michael Whitaker with Viking.

Britain still has the world number one in Scott Brash, plus Michael Whitaker with his decades of experience. Joe Clee and Spencer Roe have been impressive this year, helping Britain retain their place in Division One in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup series.

But will Team GB be able to retain their run of team golds, after success at London 2012 and the Europeans 2013? We’ll soon find out when the showjumping action at the Stadium D’Ornano gets udnerway on Tuesday 2 September.