Ben Maher's Olympic champion, Explosion W (Chacco-Blue), last appeared in action in July at the prestigious 5* show in Aachen. Since then, the 13-year-old "natural born winner" has disappeared from the competition stage due to fitness problems. In an interview to Horse & Hound, Maher said Explosion is now back in full work and "looking good" ahead of a possible date for his comeback in February.
In Aachen, under the saddle of the British champion, Explosion jumped to a tenth place during the Rolex Grand Prix, but Maher told afterwards that he felt the gelding was not quite physically up to his potential. Consequently, the decision was made shortly thereafter not to start Explosion at the World Championships in Herning, Denmark.
The withdrawal of Explosion for Herning was rather a "horsemanship decision," according to Maher. The gelding had recovered from the bruising found after Aachen by then, but the team wanted to give him all the time he needed to get back to his old level without pressure.
Building up in Florida
Maher opted for a different horse in London and Geneva as well. "He had some extra time," the Brit said. The gelding will be brought back into competition shape in Florida in the coming time. Explosion is scheduled to return to the ring in February, although the team will determine the upcoming competitions very selectively.
Source: Horse & Hound