During the CSIO5* 1m50 qualifying round, presented by Audi, the tension in Brussels rose ahead of the Grand Prix. Out of 51 participants, only thirteen combinations qualified for the jump-off. Some of the world's biggest names showed their class in the jump-off. But it was Ben Maher who took the win.
Ben Maher showed why he is one of the world's absolute best with Ginger-Blue (Plot Blue). With a dazzling jump-off in 42.28 seconds, the Briton took a convincing victory. Ben explained: “Ginger-Blue loves the Brussels Stephex Masters. She really enjoys the incredible crowd. She doesn’t have the biggest stride,and to the last fence I came on a slightly long distance. But she took it brilliantly and brought me another fantastic victory.”
The battle for the places of honour was particularly close. Nadja Peter Steiner upheld Swiss honour with Nice Van 't Zorgvliet (Emerald), finishing less than three tenths behind with a time of 42.57 seconds.
Nina Mallevaey and Destine To Be (Diamant De Semilly) were also on podium pace with 42.75 seconds, but had to settle for bronze. Martin Fuchs and L&L Lorde (Clyde Lvb Z) followed closely behind with 42.84 seconds, while Scott Brash and Hello Folie (Luidam) rounded off the top five in 44.43 seconds.
