Ben Maher wins Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of London

British Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher landed the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of London in sensational style on Saturday afternoon.

Riding Cella, the 11-year-old grey mare owned by Jane Clark, Ben was cheered home by an enthusiastic and vocal crowd at the Olympic Park in East London. The Hertfordshire rider snatched victory and the €148,500 (£126,180) first prize from last draw after a thrilling 10-rider jump-off.

“I don’t think I could have ridden faster if I tried,” said Ben. “She’s a phenomenal horse — she does it in her own style and I just let her get on with it.”

He pushed team-mate Nick Skelton and the great Big Star into the runner-up spot, with world number one Christian Ahlmann third on Taloubet Z for Germany.

In a great result for British showjumping, William Funnell finished fourth on Billy Congo with Scott Brash fifth with Hello Sanctos — all with treble clears.

Riders celebrate on the podium

• Don’t miss the full report, pictures and reaction from the inaugural GCT show in London in the 13 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine, out on Thursday.

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.