Last Updated on April 12, 2026 by adminahb
Ben Maher & Ginger-Blue. Photo ©Sportfot
Wellington, Fla. – April 11, 2026 — British Olympic champion Ben Maher took to the derby field on Friday afternoon to win the $62,500 Zycosan CSI3* Grand Prix Qualifier 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 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 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.
Annual Junior and Adult Amateur Equitation Championships Take Center Stage during Spring Series
Equitation riders took over the International Arena on Friday for the Annual Spring Junior and Adult Amateur Equitation Championships, sponsored by Karina Brez Jewelry, Vogel and Kask, during the Wellington International Spring Series, presented by Florida Coast Equipment.
Twenty-seven junior riders took to the main ring for the 4th annual junior offering, with Emi Richard and her mount Chancellor walking away victorious. Taking place in three phases, riders coursed through Thomas Carlson’s (USA) thoughtfully designed equitation track with the top twelve returning in reverse order for a second round. Four riders returned for a work-off to determine a final winner — Elizabeth Rinehart of Carmel, IN; Faith Schuttemeyer of Boynton Beach, FL; Lilly Herzog of Pepper Pike, OH; and Richard. The junior rider based in Middlefield, CT boasted scores of 180 and 183 coming into the final test riding Chancellor, a 9-year-old Warmblood gelding owned by Heritage Farm.
“I had already been in the International Arena for the derby, and he was perfect. So, I knew he wouldn’t spook and would jump around,” said Richard of the gelding who brought home his first major equitation victory. “He’s new to the equitation, so the expectations weren’t super high, but I knew that he could do well, and I’m super proud of him.”
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