Graham Babes Steals the Spotlight on Opening Day of Bolesworth International, Presented by Al Shira’aa
Monday 30 June 2025
Over 620 horse and rider combinations representing 17 nations descended on the stunning Bolesworth Estate today for the opening day of the Bolesworth International, presented by Al Shira’aa.
The action-packed schedule saw the world-class International Arena come alive for what promises to be a fantastic two weeks of Sport — headlined today by a thrilling win for Graham Babes in the CSI3* 1.50m (LR) Jump Off- Grand Prix Qualifier, sponsored by HM3 Legal.
In a fiercely contested class featuring 56 starters, 17 combinations delivered clears to progress to the jump-off, but it was Babes aboard the 11-year-old gelding Monks I Am Casall, who clinched victory in an impressive time of 36.40 seconds.
“He went well here last year, he loves the main ring at Bolesworth and I’m delighted with his performance today,” said Babes. “We’ve managed his campaign carefully to ensure he came into this week feeling confident and fresh for Sunday’s Grand Prix.” Purchased and produced by the Babes family since a foal, Monks I Am Casall now heads confidently into the Al Shira’aa CSI3 Grand Prix* on Sunday as a serious contender, alongside 29 other qualified partnerships from today’s competition.
Earlier in the day, Sammie Jo Coffin shone in the CSI3* Speed Competition 1.30m, sponsored by Madison Jamison Veterinary Physiotherapist, riding Elsalvador Van T’Schaaphof Z to a commanding win.
“Alfy jumped a super round — I kept it very tight and just kept going,” said Coffin. “He absolutely loved the main ring, even if he was a little unsure of the moat during familiarisation!”
The CSI3* 1.40m Two Phase, sponsored by Grosvenor Insurance, saw Mark Edwards take top honours on Flying Tinker II with a slick jump-off time of 23.00 seconds.
Supporting the development of riders at all levels — a key mission of HH Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Honorary President of Bolesworth International and driving force behind Al Shira’aa — the CSI Amateur 1.15m Speed Class, sponsored by Rawson EV Solar, delivered a heartwarming result. Millie Hammond, riding Melpolis Gli, secured her first International victory at only her and her horses’ second outing at this level.
“It feels amazing — I told my friends I just wanted to win a rug, and I’d be happy to go home!” she laughed after her round, which clocked a lightning-fast 56.32 seconds. Her trainer’s advice to let the naturally speedy horse run paid off in style.
Castle Arena Showcases British Talent Shining in Young Horse and CSI1* Classes
In the CSIYH1* 5 Year-Olds Two Phase (1.10m), sponsored by Dallamires Stables, local rider Louie Cunningham delivered a foot-perfect round with Picture Perfect MJ Scaldia, owned by Jade Meagher. Having claimed the Al Shira’aa British 4-Year-Old Championship last year, the promising partnership continued their winning form. “I'm delighted with a win on the first day of
the show — he’s been a pleasure to produce and has a very exciting future ahead,” said Cunningham.
The CSIYH1* 6-Year-Olds Two Phase Special, sponsored by Natural Flake Wood Shavings, saw Kieran Taylor take the top spot with Ramiro Dollar, a mare previously started by his brother. A graduate of the 2019 Bolesworth Ramiro B Elite Auction, she impressed with her quick, confident jumping. “She felt wonderful both in the warm-up and in the ring — as soon as she flew the oxer I knew it was going to be a good round,” said Taylor.
In the CSI1* Two Phase Special (1.25m) sponsored by FMBs, Paul Sims with Oaken Fay, and Marnie Darcy Green aboard Ice Cold Z, owned by Samantha Green, produced impressive performances to place among the leading contenders in a competitive field.
Image: 1st Class Images / Bolesworth
