British Show Jumping has announced that Ben Maher’s ride for British team at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games has been withdrawn from the competition.
“In the 24 hours prior to departure Ben Maher’s ride Cella, the 12-year-old grey mare owned by Jane Forbes Clark, has regrettably picked up a small overreach injury during training which will prevent them from competing in the jumping competition at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” read the BSJA statement.
The British team slated to compete in the World Games show jumping on Sept. 2-7 will be:
- Scott Brash MBE (28) from Scotland with Lady Kirkham & Lord & Lady Harris’ Hello Sanctos
- Joe Clee (36) based in Belgium with Ludwig Criel’s Utamaro d’Ecaussines
- Spencer Roe (21) from Lincolnshire with Sally Roe’s Wonder Why
- Michael Whitaker (54) from Nottinghamshire entered on Viking V, owned by Michael himself
Chef d’equipe Will Connell commented: “It is sad that Cella, with all her experience, is out of the competition,”
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Maher said, “Cella is a once in a lifetime horse and with her welfare at the forefront of our minds, Jane Clark and I have made the sad decision to withdraw from the World Equestrian Games. Cella will recover at home this week and I wish my team mates the best of luck in Normandy.”
Maher, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, and Cella were an essential part of the British team and favorites for an individual medal.
