Explosion W (Chacco-Blue x Untouchable) grew into a true icon of international showjumping. With Maher, he formed a partnership that dominated the very top of the sport for years. Their achievements have since become part of equestrian history, with the highlight undoubtedly being their Olympic triumph in Tokyo in 2021, where the pair claimed individual gold.

The goodbye today was not only about the horse’s results. It was about the people who helped keep the story intact, and the bond that grew around it. “It’s not just the Grand Prix and the medals he’s won, it’s the family and friendship he’s also created,” Maher added. “It’s completely changed our lives.” 

“Without him we would not have made it”

Maher’s tribute quickly turned into a roll call of gratitude, starting with the people he felt were essential to Explosion W’s journey. “I have Dan Carr, who without him would not have made it,” he said, underlining that keeping the horse throughout his career was a “very special” connection for him and his wife. 

He then highlighted the daily care behind the scenes and spoke warmly about the day to day dedication of Explosion W’s groom, Cormac Kenny, who cared for him through the majority of his life. “Cormac Kenny really is a wonderful groom.” Maher said, before sharing a moment that only a top sport stable can laugh about in hindsight. “Cormac, remember when he kicked you in Tokyo Olympics? That was because he was excited, not because he was naughty.” 

“He knows what he’s here to do”

For Maher, Explosion W was the kind of horse that changes the atmosphere before you even enter the ring. He recalled a line that became a reset button in stressful moments. “I remember saying to you when we were stressed, remember which horse we’re tacking up today. He knows what he’s here to do.” 

That confidence, Maher suggested, was part of what made Explosion W so rare. There was no need to overthink it. “And there’s not really too much more to say. He does the rest speaking for himself.” 

A record that still sounds unreal

Even in a speech built on emotion, the scale of the career demanded its own moment. “He won 16 five-star Grand Prix’s and medals all over the world,” Maher said, then immediately put that achievement into perspective. “It’s not so easy to win one Grand Prix, let alone 16.” 

Maher also offered a glimpse of Explosion W’s new routine, explaining that when the lights go down, the gelding now heads to the paddock, enjoys his life, and gets “the home life that he deserves.” 

The goodbye that he deserves

The farewell also carried the humour that often follows a true character. Maher described the speech itself as difficult. “Very emotional for me, and actually, a hard speech for me to face,” he admitted, before joking, “I’m surprised I didn’t cry.” 

Explosion W, meanwhile, stayed unmistakably himself, including a snack-related interruption. “What do you think? You hungry? Want a snack?” Maher laughed. “He’s a character.” 

And because a horse like that does not leave quietly, Maher made sure it ended like a celebration. “I’ve got glow sticks for everybody. I never thought I would buy 6,000 glow sticks,” he said. “Let’s give him a little bit of a party… the one that he deserves.”