Jockeys Challenge Success at Bolesworth International
Thursday 16 June 2016
Showjumper Matt Sampson and National Hunt rider Nick Scholfield proved an irresistible double act as they powered to victory in the Bolesworth CSI **** International Jockey Challenge.
The fast-moving partnership triumphed by more than six seconds in the relay-format event, with Sampson setting a scorching pace before Scholfield - fresh from competing at Uttoxeter races on Wednesday evening - finished the job in style.
Their time of 51.39 seconds was more than six seconds clear of runners-up Victoria Gulliksen and Nico de Boinville, last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey and who rode Sprinter Sacre to an unforgettable Cheltenham Queen Mother Champion Chase victory in March, while Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen and Ryan Hatch took third.
"It was good to be partnering Nick," Sampson said. "We have known each for ages, but we hadn't seen each other for a long time.
"My horse Pandora is quite fast, and Nick's round was perfect - he's a good showjumper. Everything worked well."
Sampson also praised the atmosphere in Bolesworth's International Arena on the show's opening morning, with the winners being roared home.
"It is good fun," he added. "Classes like this one are what brings crowds in. It is something for them to cheer about, and it's a bit of fun."
Scholfield, who is based mainly with trainer Paul Nicholls and will shortly be back in the saddle at Worcester races, said: "I think we were something like 10 seconds up on the clock before I even started! Nico rode my horse earlier in the class, so he'd had a spin around."
Other jockeys who took part were Will Biddick, Robbie Dunne, Ian Popham, Brendan Powell and Rhys Flint.
.JPG "Jack Whitaker showcases a masterclass win in the Al Shira’aa four-star Grand Prix at Al Shira’aa Bolesworth International")
.JPG "Holly Smith and Nike van het Singraven continued their sensational run of form at Al Shira’aa Bolesworth International")