Biography

British-based French rider Gaspard Maksud (32) contested his first Badminton last year but did not complete. With this year’s Badminton entry Zaragoza he placed 6^th at Burghley last year.

Gaspard, who is based in Surrey has represented France in international teams. In 2023 he was a member of the European bronze medal team (8^th) and in 2022 was 6^th at the World Championships both with Zaragoza. Gaspard also competes in international showjumping up to CSI4*.

Originally from Laval, France, he began his riding career aged 11 and five years later aged 16 he won the French Junior championship. After achieving ‘Sports Ambassador of the Year’ award in 2011 and 2013, Gaspard made the decision to move to the UK to pursue a career in eventing. In 2023 with 2024 Badminton entry Kan-Do 2 Maksud completed his first 5* at Pau.

He considers himself fortunate to have been based with international rider Andrew Nicholson before going on to work for Sam Griffiths. Having gained invaluable knowledge and experience during his time with these eventing legends, Gaspard then worked for the Morelands Stud before setting up his own yard.

Gaspard trains with Annabel Scrimgeour. Off horses he enjoys playing a bit of golf and watching Netflix.

Zaragoza (aka Zoe) is British-bred AES registered 12-year-old mare. Bred by Jane Young she is a daughter of the popular former grand prix jumper Cevin Z out of a mare by the thoroughbred Saracen Hill. She was bred by Jane, who is one of her owners, as a retirement project and went to Gaspard as a four-year-old. He has produced her through the levels and the pair completed Burghley in 2024 – the mares first 5*.