With the sun shining on day two of the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show, the well-planned schedule of both International & Amateur Classes, a thrilling Ride & Drive sponsored by Bentley, plus a phenomenal win from Holly Smith in the highly competitive CSI13* Grand Prix Qualifier delivered on every level.

Starting the day with a fast finish in the Castle Arena, the Voltaire Design CSI1* 1.25m could not separate Levi Critchlow and Olivia Sponer, riding Valarico and Adonis respectively and finishing in a time of 28.81, the pair both enjoyed the top spot.

Making the most of every turn with a confident round against the clock, winner Faye Adams (GBR) and Demograaf led the field to victory in the Horseware CSI3*1.40m. Having previously enjoyed success on the Junior Teams securing both silver and bronze medals and more recently taking the National Winter 1.35m Championship, Faye clinched the lead from Michael Whitaker in style to secure her third win at Bolesworth.

Faye Adams about her 13 yo gelding, “Demi is careful and clever; I knew if I could keep him tight and forward to the last then he would rise to the occasion. He really likes to win, especially in front of spectators.”

The feature class of the day, the Dodson & Horrell CSI3 1.45m Grand Prix Qualifier, designed by Louis Konickx (NED), offered competitors their first opportunity to secure a spot in the climax of the show, Sunday’s CSI3 1.50m Grand Prix. Guy Williams (GBR) set the standard early with Hickstead Derby winner Rouge de Ravel taking an early lead and proving hard to beat. That was until Great Britain’s leading lady of showjumping Holly Smith, partnered with Fruselli, produced a foot perfect 1st round before seamlessly pushing into another gear when entering the second phase. Naturally fast, fearless and agile, the impressive round shaved 2 seconds off the leading time to secure the win in 27.5.

Holly Smith on her win: “He’s just a naturally quick, careful and competitive horse. He’s just got a touch more stride than most speed horses which allows me to take a stride out but then he’s still got enough motor for the corners, a lot of big striding horses can be slow but he’s not, he’s just that perfect medium of stride and speed”.

Team GBR Olympic rider Holly will be joined by the top 25 combinations for Sunday’s finale, the Dodson & Horrell CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix, including Robert Whitaker, Jack Whitaker, Jay Halim and Ireland’s Daniel Coyle and David Simpson to name a few.

Following the thrilling Grand Prix qualifier was the equally competitive Bentley Ride & Drive, which saw the incredible Bentley Bentayga V8 take to the International Arena against the clock. With the showjumping round first and foremost followed by a quick change over, the driver took the wheel to add some pace with grace through the cone course. Tight turns with foot to the floor acceleration, taking the winning title was Jay Halim with co-driver Ed Jackson in 79.97.

Nina Barbour “We were thrilled to have use of the new Bentley Bentayga V8 for the Ride and Drive, it’s the perfect high energy, adrenaline fuelled class. It’s always fast and furious with the riders enjoying more than just the jumping rounds, the opportunity to drive a Bentley Bentayga V8 was not to be missed.”

Alongside outstanding sporting action, The Auction Stables also proved to be a highlight of the day, attracting prospective buyers to view the outstanding selection of yearling Lots available at Friday’s A-List Auction. The hand-picked selection of yearlings have been carefully selected by the expert Bolesworth Elite Auctions team for their natural athleticism, ability and aptitude for future sport. The excitement continues to build ahead of the highly anticipated inaugural A-List Auction, a new concept for the UK which sees outstanding ridden Lots available alongside elite yearlings, offering buyers the opportunity to acquire a very special horse for the future, with highly sought after bloodlines and having completed a rigorous vetting by renowned vet Peter Scholefield from Hird & Partners.

Bidding will take place on Friday 9th July at the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show. To bid, register at www.bolesworthinternational.com or email auctions@bolesworth.com. For live bidding at the show, 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.

Limited General Admission tickets are available, retailing at £15.00 for adults and £7.50 for children with guaranteed 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).

Image: Holly Smith with headline sponsor Sam Horrell  (Dodson & Horrell)