Ginger-Blue, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Plot Blue x Royal Bravour), proved once again that she thrives in the environment of the expansive derby field at Wellington International. Earlier in the season, she carried Maher to another three-star win on the grass during the sixth week of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). This time out, she crossed the final timers in 37.33 seconds to come out on top from an 11-horse jump-off. 

“She loves it on the grass over here,” said Maher, who has been battling through a fractured foot over the last several weeks. “She felt confident, but it’s always hard to know how much to do. I couldn't do anything more today. With the riders who were in the jump-off and Kent [Farrington] going last, it wasn't over until the last moment but fortunately it was enough for us today.”

Over tracks designed by Mexico’s Ana Catalina “Catsy” Cruz, Maher stole the lead from Lacey Gilbertson (USA) aboard 10-year-old mare Loulou MPSZ (Lord Pezie Junior x Semper Fi). She set the standard at 37.77 seconds for owner Seabrook, LLC. Canada’s Chris Pratt jumped Ideaal ES, owned by Take The High Road, LLC, onto the podium in third. The 12-year-old gelding (Ukato x Conway) stopped the clock at 38.42 seconds. 

“She naturally has a lot of ground speed, but her stride is not the biggest so all the distances were moving,” said Maher of Ginger-Blue. Both will now take a break from the competition ring before heading to Europe. “She’s a very experienced horse and everything came up right for me today—it was a great end to the Wellington season for my team.”

As Ginger-Blue takes a well-deserved respite in the paddock, Maher too will rest and recover. “I have been breaking all the rules to compensate for my injured foot. I’ve adjusted where the stirrup sits and the horses are helping me for sure with different weight and balance placement.”

Maher has been competing Ginger-Blue at Wellington International since the beginning of the mare’s nine-year-old year with steadfast support from the mount’s owner, Jane Forbes Clark, who was watching ringside on Sunday. “I’ve been working with Jane for 14 years now and getting a win in Wellington is always a little extra special because we can do it in front of her and my family.”

For complete results from the $120,000 Bainbridge Companies CSI3* Grand Prix, click HERE.