Thousands gathered in the stunning setting of Bolesworth Castle on Saturday evening to witness the much-anticipated return of CSI4* Grand Prix action for the first time since 2019. The evening marked a milestone for British showjumping, made possible by the strengthened partnership between Bolesworth and HH Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Al Shira’aa.

Forty-four top international combinations, having earned their places through world-ranking qualifiers earlier in the week, tackled a technical 1.55m track designed by Rafael Suarez. With 17 efforts to navigate in the first round, the stage was set for a dramatic showdown.

Sweden’s Alexander Zetterman was the first to deliver a faultless performance, quickly followed by Skylar Wireman (USA), Sean Monaghan (IRL), and Ireland’s Jessica Burke. But for others, the course proved costly. Bookmakers’ favourite Jessica Mendoza suffered an unexpected stop with Ascadina PP Z and was forced to retire, while last week’s CSI3* Grand Prix winner and local favourite, Anthony Condon, picked up four faults and two time penalties aboard Oviedo S.

Ten riders representing six nations ultimately produced clear rounds to progress to the jump-off, ready to challenge the current CSI4* Bolesworth custodian, 2019 champion Rik Hemeryck and his remarkable partner Ulyss Morinda for the title.

Jump off pathfinder Zetterman lowered an early rail with Wireman upping the pace, laying down a double clear in 39.50 seconds. Jessica Burke then posted a smooth, fast clear, joined by UAE’s Abdullah Mohd Al Marri and Humaid Abdulla Khalifa Al Muhairi in keeping the pressure on with faultless rounds.

But it was Great Britain’s Laura Renwick—already a double winner earlier in the week—who shifted the momentum. Aboard the striking eight-year-old gelding Marseille (Toulon x Ezuduela), Renwick attacked the course with precision and the speed to clock an incredible time of 37.10 seconds.

As the final rider to go, Ireland’s David Simpson threatened to spoil the British celebration with a fast, clear round. But it wasn’t enough to take the lead from Renwick, who secured her place in Bolesworth history as the first British and first female rider to win the CSI4* Grand Prix at the venue since Yazmin Pinchen’s triumph in 2015.

Owned by Neil Fiddes and Renwick herself, Marseille was immaculate throughout—careful, expressive, and delivering his first international win with flair.

Commenting on Marseille, Renwick said “I’m so proud – he’s got huge amounts of scope, I dont think that there is a fence that he couldn’t jump, it’s just about containing it all, he’s learning to prop and to shorten – I’m just really excited about where he could end up – we’re going to manage him this year, not over do anything – the two weeks here (Bolesworth) have been an incredible experience for him and I’d just like to thank Al Shira’aa for putting on a great show and also to Nina (Barbour) as it’s really special to be here”

It was a fitting climax to a show that has marked Renwick’s return to form. Having declared earlier in the week that her ambition was to get “back to the top,” – her performances over the two-week event left little doubt she’s well on her way.

At the Press Conference, Managing Director for Bolesworth, Nina Barbour said:

I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Sheikha Fatima and the whole Al Shira’aa team, without them, we wouldnt be holding 4* sport back here at Bolesworth, so as I say, a heart felt thank you to all of you watching back home, especially Sheikha Fatima herself”

Commenting on Laura Renwick’s win, Barbour said “What a journey, we’ve got a lady rider here, top of the podium who’s come back from an incredible injury a few years ago, how brave, how amazing and she’s as brave and as fast as ever – and the one to beat”

Continuing on the success of week two of the show, Nina Barbour continued to say “We’ve had a truly international field, it’s been so amazing for me to see for the first time since Brexit, for the first time in 6 years this International field, a host of riders from all across mainland Europe here, with last week having a local rider at the top of the Podium, Anthony Condon, and this week, Laura Renwick – we salute you – an amazing result”

The final day of action takes place tomorrow, with a further CSI4* ranking class, age class finals, the renowned Bolesworth favourite, the AC Jackson Mini Major and much more!

To secure your tickets, or to find out more information, please visit www.bolesworth.com