Ben Maher & Exit Remo Race to First in the $32,000 KeyFlow USA Speed Challenge CSI 3*

Wellington, Florida, United States – April 12, 2025 – Ben Maher (GBR), Tokyo Olympic Champion and current world no. 4, rose to the top in the $32,000 KeyFlow USA Speed Challenge CSI 3* – 1.45m aboard Exit Remo on Saturday during the second week of the Spring Series, presented by Florida Coast Equipment. The Wellington International Spring Series continues for five weeks through May 11 and is highlighted by two CSI 3* competitions.

Over tracks designed by Mexico’s Ana Catalina “Catsy” Cruz on the picturesque grass derby field, Maher and his trusted partner, a 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (San Remo x Ferro) owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright, ate up the ground of the one-round speed course. They stopped the clock a second faster than the runner-up in 61.73 seconds.

Six-time U.S. Olympian McLain Ward (USA) finished second in 62.65 seconds aboard La Serra, owned together with Susan Heller and Marta Mattox.

Fellow U.S. athlete Natalie Dean (USA) took third aboard Iron Dames Caramba de Janeiro for owner Pegase Equestrian BV in 63.62 seconds.

“I tried to rest him at the end of last year and build him up slowly throughout the circuit here,” said Maher of the mount he’s been partnered with at the international level for nearly three years. “He loves the grass, so it was the perfect way to get him out and back into the swing of things. It’s always nice to win any class.”

Exit Remo has been a consistent campaigner for Maher as representatives of Team Great Britain. “He has been a great Nations Cup horse for me,” said Maher.

In 2024, Exit Remo carried Maher to podium finishes in the Nations Cups at Spruce Meadows and Dublin Horse Show, in addition to a double-clear performance to help Team Great Britain win on home soil in the Hickstead Nations Cup 

“At this height, I can almost disregard the jumps and ride very free-flowing,” said Maher of the 1.45m track. “He has a huge stride so it gives me some deceptive speed. I’m very happy for him to step back up for a good result.”

Maher is currently recovering from a fractured foot and will focus Ginger-Blue on Sunday’s $120,000 Bainbridge Companies CSI3* Grand Prix before taking a break to rest. 

Final Results – $32,000 KeyFlow USA Speed Challenge CSI3* – 1.45m

1) Ben Maher (GBR) & Exit Remo – 0 – 61.73

2) McLain Ward (USA) & La Serra – 0 – 62.65

3) Natalie Dean (USA) & Iron Dames Caramba de Janeiro – 0 – 63.62

Source: Press Release from Wellington International

Photos: © Wellington International / Cassidy Klein / Sportfot

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