As ultimate favorites for individual gold, Ben Maher and Explosion W (s.Chacco Blue) delivered an excellent clear round. They immediately grabbed the lead.  

It was expected, but still needs to happen: Ben Maher just crossed the finish line with no penalties for his on his phenomenal Explosion W (Chacco Blue out of Uarina ster sport-spr prest by Baloubet du Rouet, bred by Willy Wijnen from Berlicum). 

All eyes on this remarkable pair and Ben Maher has once again proven to be able to handle the pressure. He kicked off the first Olympic Games with Explosion W in a great manner: a clear round in the fastest time so far, they are sure to qualify for the individual final tomorrow. They obtained 16 prominent international wins, including team bronze at the European Championships of Rotterdam where they also procured individual silver. In the meanwhile, 15 combinations completed the course without any errors in Tokyo. The Dutch riders are due to start in the last section, Willem Greve being the first to go.   

More information about the KWPN-horses at the Olympic Games can be found on this overview page. 

Photo: Dirk Caremans