September 14, 2026 
If the momentary crash of the international livestream during the jump-off was any indication, the eyes of the world were watching the finale of the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, on Sunday, September 13—and for good reason.
Sunday’s rollercoaster of a competition embraced all the high-drama and difficulty we’ve come to expect from the top sport at Spruce Meadows and then some.
Two, towering, Leopoldo Palacios (VEN)-designed tracks. Zero double-clears. A field of 39 top combinations whittled down to a jump-off of six.
And then, a little rain thrown in for good measure.
Initially, the story of the day looked like it would be Richie Vogel and United Touch S’s quest to take their third, consecutive Major title and become only the second Rolex Grand Slam winner in history. But if you were searching for a hero’s arc in what is often considered the biggest and most challenging Grand Prix in the world, look no further than Ben Maher’s gritty performance aboard Enjeu De Grisien.
One day earlier, Maher and his partner of five months, Catelly, suffered a crash at Jump 1 during Round 2 of the BMO Nations Cup—despite notching one of only a handful of clears together in the first round. Both horse and rider went down, and though Catelly was uninjured, Maher fell hard on his shoulder.
On Sunday, despite some serious reservations, the British rider opted to jump; muscling through multiple rounds, even after a deflating rail down in the first course. Maher’s day culminated with a calculated jump-off plan that stopped the timers at 41.40 seconds, just fending off the USA’s Lillie Keenan and Fasther, who were 45 tenths of a second slower.
The final podium position went to newly-minted World Champion Steve Guerdat of Switzerland and Albführen’s Iashin Sitte (42.25 seconds), while former Live Contender Vogel and United Touch, with one rail down in the jump-off, settled for fifth place.
Despite his no-holds-barred jump-off performance, Maher’s shoulder was clearly still on his mind after his victory in the ‘International’ Grand Prix was confirmed—a fact that quickly became apparent when a congratulatory hug from fellow competitor Sameh El Dahan (EGY), captured on camera behind the scenes, ended in him wincing badly.
When asked about his whiplash-inducing, two-day reversal of fortune during the Spruce Meadows prize-giving ceremony, Maher was matter-of-fact. “It’s sport,” he said, smiling. “One day we’re on the floor, and the next day we could be winning.
“It was an unfortunate mistake yesterday, and I paid for it—it was a long night, [and] I was very close to not riding today. But I persevered and we dug in, and yes, I’m very happy we won.”
Despite more than 20 career 5* 1.60m Grand Prix wins on the books, this is the former Olympic Champion’s first victory in a Rolex Major. That fact, Maher says, is particularly important to him given the venue where it occurred.
“I’ve been coming to Spruce Meadows for many years now, and never had too much luck in the Grand Prix. I got close—third one time—many years ago.
“But, Enjeu, he’s always loved this arena, but never had a chance [to jump in the Grand Prix] on Sunday,” Maher said of the 12-year-old Selle Français gelding, his ride of four years.
“I thought that chance had slipped away with the one down [in Round 1], but what an incredible class. It came back around, and I got a second chance, and [Enjeu] did everything for me.”
This may be Maher’s first time winning a Major, but it’s not his first time winning while riding through pain.
In Wellington in 2025, Maher broke his foot in a non-riding-related accident in the thick of the Winter Equestrian Festival, electing to continue competing in a boot specially altered with a more supportive sole. Just two days after his injury, Maher rode Point Break to a win in the 1.55m Adequan WEF Challenge Week 12 class, going on to finish second in the FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Basel one week later.
In fact, Maher’s ability to dig deep and harness a little extra toughness is nothing if not on-brand for Spruce Meadows—a venue known for its stout fences, variable weather, and technical tracks requiring, in Maher’s own words, “a bit more attacking” style of show jumping.
On Sunday, however, Maher answered all of Spruce Meadows’ most challenging questions, and then a few of his own.
“For as long as I can remember, this was one of my biggest bucket list wins,” Maher wrote on Monday on Instagram, going on to thank his horse, team, and his owners. “To my family and the doctors that helped me get through today, thank you!!! This is one win I will always remember.”
