Ben Maher & Ginger-Blue Bring the Blue Ribbon Home in the Zycosan Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 3*

Wellington, United States – April 10, 2026 – British Olympic champion Ben Maher (GBR) took to the derby field on Friday afternoon to win the $62,500 Zycosan Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 3* when aboard 15-year-old Ginger-Blue (Plot Blue x Royal Bravour) for owner Jane Forbes Clark during the second week of the Wellington International Spring Series, presented by Florida Coast Equipment.

Maher made a mad dash to the finish line, crossing the timer beam of Canadian course designer Meghan Rawlins’ track at a speed of 41.73 seconds aboard his long-time partner Ginger-Blue.

Riding on the heels of the World No. 4 was Ireland’s Jordan Coyle (IRL) with Cordiamo, a 10-year-old Oldenburg Cornet du LYS gelding owned by Elan Farm. They stopped the clock at 42.20 seconds to finish as the runners-up.

Only a hair short of Coyle’s time, Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard (CAN) finished third riding Coline de Will, a 10-year-old Westphalian mare by Corney Obolensky, with a time of 42.96 seconds for owner Ilan Ferder.

“She’s in incredible form and in great condition this time of year. She’s won a lot of classes already this year and has had a few weeks off recently,” said Maher of the mare who has a winning record on the derby field at Equestrian Village.

“She’s amazing: fast, intelligent and makes my life a lot easier. She’s always loved the grass here, so we decided to bring her out today,” said Maher, who will pilot 10-year-old Nighthawk—also owned by Forbes Clark—in Sunday’s $120,000 Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix CSI 3*.

“I have to be careful with her as she has a big stride, but it’s good not to force it—I set off on the first line and got the distance that I wanted, which was one less than some people did,” said Maher of his winning jump-off. “I was pretty short to the second last jump, which was a little risky, and I think that’s probably where I was quick enough to win.”

The Spring Series spans five weeks and runs through May 10, featuring hunter, jumper and equitation competition at Wellington International, home of the famed Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Learn more about the Spring Series HERE.

Final Results – $62,500 Zycosan Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 3*

1) Ben Maher (GBR) & Ginger-Blue – 0 / 0 – 41.73

2) Jordan Coyle (IRL) & Cordiamo – 0 / 0 – 42.20

3) Erynn Ballard (CAN) & Coline de Will – 0 / 0 – 42.96

Source: Press Release from Wellington International

Photos: © Wellington International / Sportfot / Cassidy Klein

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