Set against the stunning back drop of Bolesworth Castle, the showjumping highlights of the day included the Al Shira’aa Young Horse classes which showcased exciting talent for future sport. Fourfields Darc Maxim ridden by Joss Williams proved to be the ones to watch after securing the top spot in the CSIYH1* 7YO. Georgia Lovett and Lola Caterina fought hard to secure the win in a fast and competitive CSIYH1* 5YO class, with barely a second between the top five, and Nicole Lockhead Anderson was on top form in the CSIYH1* 6YO class aboard Emerald Irish Cruise, producing a faultless round and proving unbeatable against the clock.
The day drew to a close with the final class, the hotly contested eVetDrug CSI3* 1.35m. With an impressive start list featuring Richard Howley and Antony Condon for Ireland, Angelie Von Essen for Sweden and a strong contingent of British riders including John Whitaker and fellow family members Joe, Jack and James, the riders were in it to win it from the off, with Robert Murphy claiming the honours on the first day with Lisa Holmes’ Elan.
Nina Barbour, Managing Director of Bolesworth, said: “We’ve had a fabulous first day at the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show, with an exceptional standard set in the young horse classes and very strong win from Robert Murphy in the headline class of the day, the CSI3* 1.35m. We also welcomed showing to Bolesworth for the first time with a highly competitive BSPS Mountain & Moorland Qualifier, showcasing a stunning line up of native breeds. We look forward to hosting the final at the Liverpool International Horse Show in December.
“With over 800 horses joining us for an exciting five days of international sport, we are very much looking forward to the week ahead. There’s still time to join us with lots to look forward to in the schedule, including a real highlight of the show, the inaugural A-List Auction on Friday.”
In addition to the showjumping action, the International Arena also hosted its first British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Mountain & Moorland showing classes, which provided a direct qualification for the prestigious Championship hosted at the Liverpool International Horse Show (31 Dec 2021 – 3rd Jan 2022). The strong field of exceptional native breeds included previous champions from Olympia, Horse of the Year Show and Dublin Horse Show, but it was Michael Harty and Cashelbay Rocket who emerged victorious and claimed their all-important qualification ticket to the final at Liverpool.
Official Showing Judge for Performance, Julie Templeton, said, “What a privilege to judge at such a spectacular venue. The quality of animals that we had forward was excellent, it was a really special opportunity for all the competitors to enjoy riding in such a prestigious arena.”
Also taking to the main arena was the selection of ridden horses from the A-List Auction, supported by Science Supplements, providing an exclusive preview for spectators ahead of the live auction which takes place on Friday 9th July at 9pm. The standard of horses exhibited set the tone for the highly anticipated live auction as the impressive line-up of ridden lots were presented around a course of fences in the International arena. Highlight lots included five-year-old mare Ashdale Allstar, by Olympic Champion Big Star, six-year-old grey gelding, Millfield Chrisis, by the highly regarded Christian 25 and four-year-old Clayton Z, a modern eye-catching gelding by the influential Cicero Z, out of Baccara Z.
Bidding will take place on Friday 9th July at the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show. To bid live at the auction, be sure to head to the Hospitality Marquee for 8.30pm, where the auction will commence shortly after.
Online and telephone bids will also be accepted. To register to bid online, simply head online to the website, or to register to bid by telephone.
General admission tickets are available retailing at £15.00 for adults and £7.50 for children with free parking. Children under three can enter for free and well-behaved dogs are welcome too.
Due to limited numbers, pre-booking is advised, however tickets will be available to purchase on the day and will incur an additional £5 parking fee. For British Showjumping Members, a discounted rate of £10.00 is available on adult tickets (only applicable to pre-booked tickets).
.jpg "Thrilling Weekend Kickstarts the STX-UK Pony British Novice Championship Second Round")
