Ben Maher wins 2018 Longines Global Champions Tour series

Photo: Stefano Grasso/LGCT

Ben Maher has won the 2018 Longines Global Champions Tour series, in a fairy tale ending to a fabulous season.

Back at the top

Ben has dominated the LGCT this year and he secured the championship title in Rome, winning his third Grand Prix with the extraordinary Explosion W.

“It has been an incredible season, I can’t quite believe it,” said Ben. “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 – he is phenomenal for his age.

‘Dream come true’

Ben and Explosion also won the LGCT Grand Prix in Madrid, while Winning Good took Ben to victory in St Tropez. Both horses, which are owned by Poden’s Farm, are just nine years old.

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

Ben is also at the top of the Global Champions League team ranking with London Knights, and could take the title at the finals in Doha, Qatar in November.

The 35-year-old rider will then compete in the Longines Super Grand Prix in the GC Prague Play Offs in December. This new event sees the winners of all the LGCT Grand Prix battling it out for more big prize money.

‘Well-deserved Champion’

Jan Tops founder and president of LGCT praised Ben for his consistent performance this year.

“No one deserved it more than Ben this season,” he said. “He’s had three wins. He has two great horses in super shape and he’s the well-deserved champion of the year.

“He managed his horses well, he had the goal to win this – it’s the most difficult [Championship] to win over 16 legs, against all the best horses and riders in the world.”

Don’t miss GCT 2018: Rome when it premieres on Saturday 15 September at 9pm. You can watch on Sky 184, Virgin TV 298, Horse & Country TV, Amazon Video and Roku.