‘I haven't seen a better horse'

Graham Fletcher reflects on Explosion at full throttle and the Games action

- Jennifer Donald

IT has been a few weeks since this comment tipped Ben Maher and Explosion W for an individual Olympic gold medal. But mine was the easy bit, because nobody realises how difficult it is to produce a horse at his peak on the hour and day that you’re aiming for – then ride him to the best of your ability for everything to come good at once. All this, Ben did magnificently.

His first round, over a massive course that tested scope and carefulness to the absolute maximum, was poetry to watch. And then to see him ride the jump-off at full throttle and blast the opposition away was just mind-blowing.

A truly great horse ridden by a great rider. Is Explosion the best of all time? Well, I haven’t seen a better one.

“JOYOUS AND UPLIFTING”