World number two Ben Maher and Ginger-Blue spearhead Brits’ Nations Cup team

Ten countries vie for a patriotic victory in this week’s Nations Cup at the Winter Equestrian Festival [WEF] and Great Britain’s odds are greatly increased by having the world’s number two show jumper Ben Maher on their side.

Ben and his mount, 13-year old Dutch Warmblood mare Ginger-Blue, have already topped the podium this week with a win in the WEF Challenge Cup. Now Ginger-Blue aka Cookie, who has been with Ben since the age of seven, steps up to the international stage.

“I think this will be her first Nations Cup,” Ben said. “It’s nice to give her a chance here and she’s certainly showed based on her last few rounds that she’s ready.”

Ben will be joined by compatriots Jessica Mendoza aboard I-cap CL Z, Sameh El Dahan with Oscar-A and Tim Gredley – who is back at WEF this year after a hiatus – riding Imperial HBF.

Chef d’equipe, Di Lampard is in town to steer the ship, while team physio, Jennie Owst is also at the showgrounds to keep the riders in tact. “Di Lampard and Jennie Olspeth flew over to make sure we’re all in one piece and doing as we’re told,” said Ben. “The Nations Cup is always important and it’s always amazing to ride for our country. It’s also a stepping stone here probably for other things throughout the year so I think we’re trying new combinations, trying different orders, even new horses.”

Among the favorites are the Irish team lining up a seasoned quartet with Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue, David O’Brien and El Balou OLD, Shane Sweetnam and RR Combella and going last to anchor the team is Cian O’Connor on Fancy de Kergan. USA also sport a strong contingent hinging on veterans McLain Ward aboard Ilex and Laura Kraut on Bisquetta.

“We’re all relatively experienced,” Ben said, weighing up the British team’s chances earlier this week. “And we know what we have to do and hopefully we can try to compete with some of the strong teams here this week. The Irish have a very strong team, but you never know what happens with the Nations Cup that’s the interesting thing about it.”