Ben Maher wins Grand Prix in Paris

Ben Maher won the Prix du Qatar Grand Prix at the Longines Global Champions Tour in Paris, with Aristo Z.

Feeling the pressure

Ben had an unlucky draw in the jump-off and was first to go, but managed a fast clear in a time of 33.22sec. This put the pressure on the 14 remaining riders, none of which could catch his time and leave the fences up.

Morrocan rider Abdelkebir Ouaddar came close, but his horse’s playful bucks cost them valuable time, putting them in second place with 34.26sec. Harrie Smolders from The Netherlands was just a second behind him to come third.

Home win

France’s Kevin Staut won the main class, the LGCT Grand Prix, with Silvana, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Second place went to Pius Schwizer (SUI) with Toulago, while Marcus Ehning (GER) came third onboard Cornado NRW.

Scott Brash was fifth with Hello Annie. The world number one posted the fastest score in the jump off, but an unlucky four faults cost him the class.

Ben was one of the favourites with his top horse Cella, but the grey mare had an uncharacteristic two down in the first round.

Top ranking

Following this win, Kevin is at the top of the LGCT Ranking. He is one point ahead of Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE) and nine points ahead of Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) in third.

The final class of the first LonginesGlobalChampionsTour of Paris, was won by the Marcus Ehning with Sabrina. Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) was second riding VDL Groep Sapphire B, while third place went to Reed Kessler (USA) with Cylana.