Ben Maher’s talented ride Urico has suffered a career-ending injury while competing in La Baule, France over the weekend.
Devastated
The 13-year-old gelding, owned by Jane Clark, put in a great performance in the Furusiyya Nations Cup two days earlier. However he sustained a serious injury when jumping in the Grand Prix yesterday (18 May).
British team vet Bobby McEwen immediately assessed the situation before making a decision to refer Urico to a veterinary clinic in Nantes.
“Urico will undergo surgery to repair the sustained injury,” said Ben on his Facebook page. “Jane, myself and our team are devastated but are confident that Urico will make a full recovery, so that this talented horse can retire from international competition and enjoy a retirement at Jane Clark’s farm in Wellington, Florida.”
Spirited
Ben took on the ride in 2012 and despite a “few teething problems” early on in their partnership, Ben persevered with the “spirited” gelding to form a solid partnership.
Earlier this year the pair won the $150,000 CSIO 4* Grand Prix and the $125,000Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida.
Ben and Urico’s good form continued in the second leg of the Nations Cup European Division 1 – having just one down in the first round and jumping clear in the second.
Britain fielded a strong team out in France, even though they weren’t competing for points, to come joint third despite a double elimination for Tim Gredley.
Nil points
In the opening round Michael Whitaker and Amai also had one down, while Joe Clee jumped a great clear with Utamaro D’Ecaussines.
Tim Gredley’s grey gelding Unex Chamberlain Z took a strong dislike to the triple combination in both rounds, which saw him heading home with nil points. His elimination was bolstered by second-round clears from Ben and Michael, while Joe posted four faults – but it wasn’t quite enough to win.
The French defending series champions claimed victory with a score of four faults, much to the delight of the home crowd. Belgium came second on eight faults, while Britain was joint third with Ireland, finishing on a total of 12.
Uncharacteristic
Spain, Brazil and The Netherlands all completed with 16 faults, to come joint fifth. After winning the opening leg last week, the Swiss team finished on a total of 20.
Olympic champion Steve Guerdat put in an uncharacteristic performance when his gelding, Concetto Son, took objection to the water and then had three poles down, to post a final score of 20. He found his form in the second round, to collect just four faults at the last element of the triple combination.