Brilliant Bolesworth is bigger and better
Tuesday 07 May 2013
FROM the youngest pony riders to Badminton winners and Olympic showjumpers — there’s something for everyone at this year’s Bolesworth Classic (Thursday, 30th May-Sunday, 2nd June).
Held in the beautiful private grounds of the Barbour family’s Bolesworth Castle, at Tattenhall in Cheshire, this year’s show culminates in the Bolesworth Classic Grand Prix, with a prize-fund of £18,000. The winner of last year’s class was John Whitaker and the 2013 entry list is sure to contain many more of Britain’s star showjumping names, including last year’s London Olympics team gold medal winner Nick Skelton.
The three carefully maintained grass rings will host 56 competitions over the four days. These include showjumping classes from 90cm to 1.40m every day, plus viewing trials for Britain’s European Championship Pony and Children on Horses teams. And if the showjumpers fancy taking on the event riders for a big prize, they can try their luck over a mixture of coloured and natural obstacles in Thursday’s £3,000 Eventing Grand Prix. Showjumper Zoe Adams was the 2012 winner and the eventers will be out for revenge this time.
The Bolesworth Estate is the home of Harthill Stud and sport horse breeders and young horse producers are a big part of this year’s show. If you’re thinking about breeding your own future performer, don’t miss the parade of 10 elite stallions in the main Castle Arena at noon on Thursday, 30th May. The line-up includes last year's Bolesworth Small Grand Prix winner Lord Luis from Nina Barbour and Oliver Townend's Harthill Stud, plus stallions from Pewit Stud and William Funnell and Donal Barnwell’s Billy Stud. There are also special prizes of a free embryo transfer or a semen-freezing package for the mare and stallion gaining the most points in the 1.40m classes during the show.
Top event horses of the future will be on display on Thursday in the Burghley Young Event Horse qualifiers, hosted here for the first time, while young showjumpers have a £3,000 prize-fund to chase in Friday’s Irish Breeders Classic five- and six-year-old class.
It’s not all serious competition. Riders, their supporters and spectators can let their hair down to an Abba tribute band at the world-renowned Bolesworth Big Night Out on Friday, 31st May, while there will be thrills and hopefully not too many spills during Saturday night’s invitation mini-major relay, which has a “superheroes” theme. Look out for Geoff Billington, who should be adding to the fun!
A new lifestyle, food and fashion pavilion featuring more than 20 local companies will give visitors the chance to shop for Britain.
Entrance tickets for spectators cost £10 (£7.50 if bought online on www.bolesworthclassic.co.uk). Children under 12 are free.
For more information, visit www.bolesworthclassic.co.uk or phone 01829 782210
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