The former world No. 1 served a timely reminder of exactly why he belongs at the very top of the sport.
Ben Maher (GBR), Olympic medallist, former FEI world No. 1 and current world No. 4, conquered the CSI3* Big Tour LR Grand Prix at Chard 2026 in the Hulsh Arena, designed by Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER), with 27 combinations on course and 8 qualifiers for the jump-off. Maher sealed the victory in 49.12 seconds.
Maddox vh Haringvliet Z is a 9-year-old bay Zangersheide gelding (Monte Bellini x Ogano Sitte), owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright, a young horse that handled the demands of Petersen’s track with authority, underlining Maher’s excellent current form on the British circuit.
Carron Nicol (GBR) finished second with Rrh Out of the Blue, a 9-year-old bay AES gelding (Plot Blue x Livello) owned by Carron and Sanda Nicol, registering 55.80 seconds. Tim Gredley (GBR) completed the podium with Medoc de Toxandria, a 14-year-old bay BWP gelding (Der Senaat 111 x Kelvin de Sainte Hermelle) owned by Rachel Gredley, William Gredley and Unex Competition Yard, in 55.95 seconds.
Sally Goding (GBR) placed fourth with Red Head, a 9-year-old chestnut AES mare (Luidam x Corland) owned by Goding herself, in 56.78 seconds. Alexander Bragg (GBR) rounded out the Top 5 with Hegglelane Houston, a 14-year-old dapple grey SHBGB mare (Panter x Calato) owned by Bragg and Jo Marshall, in 58.34 seconds.
Top 5 Results — CSI3* Big Tour LR Grand Prix | Chard 2026 — Hulsh Arena
| Pos. | Athlete | Horse | R1 | Jump-Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ben Maher (GBR) 🇬🇧 | Maddox vh Haringvliet Z | 0 | 0 / 49.12 |
| 2 | Carron Nicol (GBR) 🇬🇧 | Rrh Out of the Blue | 0 | 0 / 55.80 |
| 3 | Tim Gredley (GBR) 🇬🇧 | Medoc de Toxandria | 0 | 0 / 55.95 |
| 4 | Sally Goding (GBR) 🇬🇧 | Red Head | 0 | 0 / 56.78 |
| 5 | Alexander Bragg (GBR) 🇬🇧 | Hegglelane Houston | 0 | 0 / 58.34 |
