British Olympic champion Ben Maher ended his 2025 season in Wellington, FL, with back-to-back victories on the grass derby field during the Spring Series, presented by Florida Coast Equipment. One day after a speed victory with Exit Remo, Maher returned on Sunday in the irons of Ginger-Blue, owned by Jane Forbes Clark, to win the $120,000 Bainbridge Companies CSI3* Grand Prix. The Wellington International Spring Series continues for five weeks through May 11 and is highlighted by two CSI3* competitions.
Ben Maher (GBR) and Ginger-Blue. (Sportfot)
Ginger-Blue, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Plot Blue x Royal Bravour), proved once again that she thrives in the environment of the expansive derby field at Wellington International. Earlier in the season, she carried Maher to another three-star win on the grass during the sixth week of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). This time out, she crossed the final timers in 37.33 seconds to come out on top from an 11-horse jump-off.
“She loves it on the grass over here,” said Maher, who has been battling through a fractured foot over the last several weeks. “She felt confident, but it’s always hard to know how much to do. I couldn’t do anything more today. With the riders who were in the jump-off and Kent [Farrington] going last, it wasn’t over until the last moment but fortunately it was enough for us today.”