Ben Maher & Ginger-Blue Gallop for the Gold in the GrandPrix Prize CSI 3* at Le Touquet

May 9, 2025
9:34 AM

Le Touquet, France – May 08, 2025 – The Touquet Classic CSI 3* started with fanfare this Thursday at the Touquet Equestrian Park, with a first day marked both by high-level sport and by a moment of artistic emotion in the heart of the city.

Designed by Swiss course designer Gérard Lachat (SUI), the course saw thirty-four couples among the eighty-nine entered perform flawlessly, including several major figures in the world of showjumping: Cian O’Connor (IRL), Nina Mallevaey (FRA) and Karl Cook (USA), associated with his Olympic mare Caracole de la Roque.

In the major event of the day, the €28,200 GrandPrix Prize CSI 3*, rated at 1.45m and counting for the world ranking – Ben Maher (GBR), current world number two, reminded everyone of his status.

At the reins of Ginger-Blue, his accomplice since 2018, the British rider completed a masterful lap in 65”96, relegating his pursuers to more than a second. Winner in particular of the Grand Prix of the LGCT of Paris with this mare, Maher at the same time stamped his passport for the 1.55m Grand Prix of the City of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

Two Tricolors complete this first podium: Yoann Le Vot (FRA), second with Funny Girl DK (67”27), and Guillaume Batillat (FRA), third with Qapella di Lino (67”65). A great start for French riders facing a major international field.

Winner’s Circle – Ben Maher (GBR)

“Ginger-Blue has already jumped higher and more technical courses, but she remains formidable in this type of event. I am happy to be able to spare her for the future and calmly prepare for the Grand Prix.” confided Ben Maher at the end of his round. “Le Touquet is special for me. I rode here as a young rider, and to come back here with such an atmosphere and such a beautiful site is a real pleasure.”