Maher medal dream ends at Windsor

France's Kevin Staut won individual gold at the European Showjumping Championships at Windsor as British medal hopes ended in failure.

Going into the final day, Ben Maher had been in second but ended up finishing 15th, with Tim Stockdale in 24th place.

Staut produced two faultless rounds on Kraque Boom Bois Margot, with Germany's Carsten-Otto Nagel in second place.

Dutchman Albert Zoer was on course for gold until four faults relegated him to bronze medal position.

It is now 14 years since Britain won an individual European medal of any kind, but Maher's senior European debut showed plenty of promise.

"I don't know why it didn't happen today," said the 26-year-old.

"It was probably the most average day he's had since I've been riding him."

Staut was understandably delighted with his day's work.

"It has been a really good season for us," he said.

"I had two super rounds, although it was difficult to be inside the time (69 seconds) for the last round.

"My horse is not really, really fast, but he was very fresh going into today."

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2009 European Championships
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