Ben Maher taken to court over ‘secret profits’

Olympic showjumper Ben Maher is embroiled in a court case this week after the owners of Quainton Stud accused him of making “secret profits” when selling horses on their behalf.

Buying and selling

Ben bought and sold a number of horses on behalf of Mike and Emma Phillips, who part-own his Olympic ride Tripple X, but the couple claim he made money by giving them false details of the prices paid.

According to the BBC, Ben is expected to deny the allegations and defend the High Court action brought by the couple.

‘Hidden profits’

The 30-year-old is alleged to have told the Phillips that the showjumper Tackeray was sold to the USA for $500,000, while they say the actual sum was $850,000.

“Mr Maher thereby made a secret profit of $350,000 of which Mr Maher is accountable and to which Quainton Stud is entitled,” the court document states, which also describes an invoice of $50,000 for third party commission on the deal as “a sham.”

Ben is also accused of making hidden profits on Quainton Quirifino (€10,000), Awanti (€50,000), Vigolo (€126,000), Robin Hood (£80,000) and Wonderboy (£222,496).

This is a total of nearly £700,000, although the amount could be doubled if Ben is found guilty and costs and damages are awarded.

‘Broken hearted’

Mr and Mrs Phillips now wish to sell Tripple X, and have declared this case to mark the end of their ‘successful partnership’ with Maher, which began in 2005.

H&C spoke to Ben, who is currently in Paris for the Gucci Masters, but he declined to comment on the case.