Ben Maher gets ride on Tackeray

Ben Maher on new ride Tackeray

Emma and Mike Phillips, the owners of Quainton Stud, have bought the 11-year-old stallion Tackeray for their rider, Britain's Ben Maher, to compete. This will strengthen his string, which he is also increasing with a number of younger horses.

Background
Tackeray, who was until last week owned by Michelle Gatland, had been ridden by Irish rider Billy Twomey for the past year. Before that, the son of Quick Star was a resident of Michael Whitaker's yard. He was drug tested at La Baule, France, in 2009 and returned a positive result for altrenogest, which is found in Regumate. However, a feeding error was later found to be the route of ingestion (Regumate is legal in competing mares, but not male horses).

Micheal was suspended for competing for four months and his nephew William Whitaker took over the ride until it was given to Billy in June 2010. During his career, Tackeray has been a winner at CSI5* competitions.

New edition
"Tackeray is a really lovely horse and will be able to jump alongside Robin Hood and Oscar in grands prix," said Ben. "I am so grateful to Mike and Emma Phillips. They are brilliant owners and supporters of mine."