August 2, 2024 
“We’re out for a win. Simple as that,” said Great Britain’s lead off rider, Ben Maher, in the moments immediately following his single fault performance in Friday’s Team Final.
And that’s precisely what the Brits did.
With a zero on the board from teammates Harry Charles and Romeo 88 and riding in pole position going into the third and final rotation of riders, pressure was at peak force on anchor rider Scott Brash in Paris.
A single rail would relegate the Brits to silver. Or worse.
But if Brash was feeling the pressure, it didn’t show.
Before a hushed crowd and against the stunning backdrop of the Palace of Versailles, the rhythmic hoof falls of Jefferson were the only sound echoing in the arena as Brash and his 15-year-old partner of six years executed a masterclass round.
The pair had only a slight touch at the vertical third from last and crossed the timers on a single time fault to clinch the gold medal.
It’s the career second team gold for Brash and fourth consecutive gold medal for Great Britain.
Brash, Maher and Harry Charles’s father, Peter, were part of the gold medal winning team at the 2012 London Games. Nick Skelton (Big Star) and Maher (Explosion W) took individual gold in 2016 and 2020 respectively. Now Paris 2024.
“None of us could have done a better job today than what we did,” said Maher. “It’s not like we go home, and we think we can do something better. And that’s probably very rare in our sport. So for everything come together, it’s just an amazing feeling.“
Twenty-five-year old Harry Charles delivered the standout performance of the Games for the Brits, jumping two clear rounds between the team qualifier and final—despite breaking his wrist four weeks out from the Games.
“I’m pretty speechless,” said the world no. 9 after delivering a clear in the Team Final.
“That was probably the best round of my life. Definitely the biggest moment in my career so far. And to have me be good and Romeo just come through like that— could be the best he’s ever jumped—on this stage and at this moment is really [special]. It took a lot to get to this position and I’m really proud of him.”
Team USA finished in silver on four faults. France took bronze on seven faults.
It was a disappointing day for the Germans, who, despite a commanding performance in Thursday’s team qualifier as the only team to finish on zero, took fifth in the Team Final. Defending champions Sweden finished in sixth. Team Mexico was forced to withdraw due to a veterinary concern with Carlos Hank Guerreiro’s horse Porthos Maestro WH Z.
Jumping continues at the Olympic Games on Monday with the Individual Qualifier.
