Ben Maher and Ginger Blue claimed victory in the $117,000 1.55m CSI5*-W qualifier at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. The win sets the stage for the main Longines FEI Jumping World Cup event scheduled for February 14, 2026. Top riders from around the world are competing in the North American League series.
The World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, is hosting the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup North American League 2025/2026 this week, drawing elite equestrian athletes. On Thursday, February 12, 2026, British rider Ben Maher, ranked No. 3 in the world standings, rode the 15-year-old KWPN mare Ginger Blue to victory in the $117,000 1.55m CSI5*-W Qualifier for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup, presented by Ethel M Chocolates. Owned by Jane Forbes Clark, Ginger Blue is sired by Plot Blue out of Royal Bravour and bred by P. Verberne.
As the first of 17 riders in the jump-off, Maher and Ginger Blue delivered an uncatchable performance. Maher commented, "She just loves her job." This triumph highlights their strong form ahead of the series final, set for April 8-12 in Fort Worth, Texas.
The competition continues with Friday's classes, including the $32,000 Wild Horse Refuge Grand Prix Qualifier CSI2* and the $62,000 1.50m Winning Round CSI5*-W. On Saturday, February 14, the highlight is the $300,000 1.60m CSI5*-W Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Ocala, presented by MARS Equestrian, starting at 7 p.m. after gates open at 4 p.m. A $62,500 1.50m speed CSI5*-W class precedes it. Other top competitors include Richard Vogel of Germany (No. 6), Nina Mallevaey of France (No. 8), Daniel Coyle of Ireland (No. 9), and McLain Ward of the U.S.A. (No. 10).
The week concludes Sunday, February 15, with the $65,000 Wild Horse Refuge Grand Prix and the $40,000 National Grand Prix. General admission tickets and select hospitality options remain available.