Maher set for World Cup challenge

Maher finished 20th in the Olympic individual event in Hong Kong

Olympic show jumper Ben Maher admits he will need a little luck as he faces the world's top riders in the World Cup Final in Las Vegas this week.

Maher, 26 from Bishops Stortford, was a late qualifier for the event as he got used to new horse, Robin Hood W.

"My horse is a bit inexperienced but he's good enough and if I ride well we've got half a chance," he said.

"It's a question of me doing my own thing but in this type of competitions you need a bit of luck."

American Meredith Michaels Beerbaum will be looking to defend her title at the Thomas & Mack Center, where boxer Joe Calzaghe beat Bernard Hopkins last April.

Veteran Michael Whitaker is the other GB representative in a 45-strong field.

I've got the experience; now it's about building the horse up so he is as confident as I am Ben Maher

Maher was surprised by his Olympic selection last year, after a good run of results with his previous horse, Rolette.

He came 20th in the individual event in Hong Kong and helped the Great Britain team finish seventh.

When Rolette was sold by her owners, Maher was forced to start again with a new ride but he took qualifying points from four World Cup events through the winter.

"The last year has been the best I've had and it's down to having two good horses," Maher told BBC Sport.

"I've got the experience; I've been to a lot of big competitions and big shows and have more confidence.

"Now it's about building the horse up so he is as confident as I am."

The event starts with a speed round on Thursday, followed by a faults round the following day, with the winner decided in a two-round Grand Prix late on Sunday.

606: DEBATE How will Maher and Whitaker fare at the World Cup final?

Whatever the result in Las Vegas, Maher is hoping Robin Hood W will not be over-tired and that they will be in top form for the European Championships in Windsor in late August.

"The plan was to qualify here without over-using the horse so hopefully we'll save the best till last," he explained.