For a very long time, the London International Horse Show has been one of the most popular events on the European indoor circuit, and on Dec. 17th almost 10,000 spectators nearly lifted the roof off the ExCel arena in the London (GBR) Docklands when Britain’s Ben Maher won the eighth leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2023/2024 Western European League with Enjeu de Grisien.

A year ago his compatriot and friend, Scott Brash, stood top of the podium at the same venue after winning with Hello Jefferson. But today the 2012 Olympic team gold medallist Brash had to settle for runner-up spot with his 14-year-old gelding when reigning individual Olympic champion Maher, and the young horse he calls Jazz, snatched victory from his grasp with a spectacular last-to-go run.

And if the crowd were screaming with excitement during the 11-horse jump-off against the clock, none were screaming louder than Irishman Daniel Coyle’s grandmother Ita, who didn’t hold back when the Derry-born, Canada-based rider put it up to the final two contenders with a brilliant performance from his 13-year-old mare, Legacy, that finally left them in third place.

Advertisement