Victory with a broken foot

A recently broken foot did not stop Ben Maher from riding to an impressive victory in the Adequan WEF Challenge Cup at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington last weekend. Two days earlier, the three-time Olympic champion had dropped a heavy piece of metal on his foot - but there was no question of abandoning the start: a special riding boot with a stabilizing sole made it possible for him to compete.

Riding the eleven-year-old stallion Point Break, Maher won the jump-off. A jump-off in which 6 riders from the top 10 in the world took part. With a lead of 1.15 seconds, Maher finally relegated US star Kent Farrington with Toulayna to second place.

Maher, who is also nominated for this weekend's World Cup Final in Basel (April 2-6), emphasized the importance of the success for his team after the ride. Point Break had been flown in specially on March 23 and started his return journey to Europe the very next day.