Three-time Olympic gold medallist, Ben Maher, has been announced as an Official Ambassador of the 2024 edition of London International Horse Show, which this year runs from 18-22 December at ExCeL London.
The British Show Jumper, who is currently ranked World No. 2, was part of this summer’s gold medal winning team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games aboard his stunning 11-year-old mare, Dallas Vegas Batilly. This sensational result added to his two previous gold medals, having won team gold at London 2012, and individual gold in Tokyo 2020, means Maher holds the title of the most decorated British Olympic Show Jumper of all time.
This December, Maher will return to ExCeL London to defend his Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ title, having secured the victory last year in one of the most exhilarating jump-offs to ever take place at the Show. Last to go in the class, and riding Enjeu de Grisien, Maher produced a textbook round to take the win from teammate Scott Brash by just 0.62 seconds.
Show Jumping commences at ExCeL London on Wednesday 18th December with The Ivy Stakes in the afternoon followed by the return of the LeMieux Puissance in the evening, which was last year won by specialists Guy Williams and Mr Blue Sky for the third year running. The Christmas Pudding Speed Stakes takes place on Thursday afternoon and the famous London Grand Prix on Friday evening – a class visitors will not want to miss. The weekend is then capped off in style with the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ on Sunday 22nd December where the finest horse and rider combinations will gather to compete for the prestigious prize.
Speaking on his role as an Official Ambassador for the Show, Maher stated: “I am delighted to be an Ambassador at this year’s London International Horse Show. As riders we travel around the world, so it is incredibly special to be back in England for our final competition before Christmas. The atmosphere is fantastic, and having all our friends and family supporting is a truly amazing experience.”
As an ambassador, Maher will extend the narrative of the Show beyond the event itself, providing an insight into how a rider prepares for such a prestigious event. Through activities such as an appearance on the Show’s Live Zone, Maher’s ambassadorial role will enable fans to experience exclusive behind the scenes content and will facilitate unique insights into the life of a top international Show Jumping competitor.
Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, stated: “We are delighted to announce Ben Maher, one of the country’s finest Show Jumpers, as an Official Ambassador. He has had so much success at the Show and is always a crowd favourite when he enters the arena. Following his recent success in Paris over the summer, we are thrilled to be welcoming him back to London ExCeL and look forward to watching him be a part of more unmissable sporting moments.”
In addition, to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the British equestrian athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Show will welcome the Team GB Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian heroes, including Maher, in a medal parade which will take place during the evening performance on Wednesday 18 December.
To purchase your tickets to the London International Horse Show 2024, please click here.
For more information, please contact: Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com