Title image credit to 1st Class Images
The picturesque grounds of Bolesworth Castle came alive with equestrian excitement as the JCL Insurance Brokers Eventing Grand Prix took centre stage at the Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa. The event featured 40 top entries from the world of eventing, including Olympic long-listed rider Emily King and renowned international showjumpers Jay Halim and Alfie Bradstock, who dusted off their skull caps for this class.
The illustrious entry list also boasted former Eventing Grand Prix champions of the Hickstead Eventers Challenge, such as Fred Scala, Nicky Hill, and Gemma Stevens. Notably, Gemma Stevens, who won the Bolesworth Eventing Grand Prix in 2019 and finished second in 2023, returned to compete, adding to the excitement alongside Olympian Pippa Funnell.
Eric Winter, the esteemed course designer known for his work on the Badminton Horse Trials, crafted the challenging course. As one of only seventeen “A” listed British Eventing Accredited course designers in the UK, Winter’s design included a mix of show jumps and cross-country fences, testing the adaptability of both horse and rider. His aim was to distinguish the best competitors while ensuring the safety of all participants. The course imposed time penalties for fallen fences and Winter introduced the controversial flag penalty, which required precision on tight turns. Additionally, a ‘joker’ fence offered riders a chance to reduce their penalties by five points if jumped clear.
The event featured both an individual title and a team competition, with teams of four riders each associated with an event partner. The snaking course of fences proved to be a brilliant test of stride and pace adaptability, challenging the riders to maintain accuracy and control.
The competition was fierce and thrilling, with many clear rounds, a few poles down, and even a dramatic tack malfunction that cost crowd favourite Jay Halim a top placing. As the final 15 competitors took to the course, the atmosphere was electric. Nicole Mills, aboard Fearless W, provisionally claimed the top spot with a time of 86.38, only to be surpassed by Ireland’s Megan Healy on Think It Over, who posted a time of 85.48.
All eyes were on the last competitor, Great Britain’s Gemma Stevens aboard Johan-Some. Known for her accurate and speedy cross-country riding, Stevens delivered a near-perfect round despite rolling a rail. Clearing the joker fence, she reduced her overall time penalties, securing the win with a time of 83.13.
Fresh from her victory, Stevens said:
I absolutely love riding in these classes. It suits my style, and I’m thrilled for Johan-Some and his owners – they deserve this win more than I do! I focused on keeping the round smooth, looking early on all my turns, and Johan-Some was so quick and clean – I’m thrilled!
Stevens also praised Eric Winter’s course design, emphasizing its safety and the reward it provided for good riding and control, truly testing the partnership between horse and rider.
Johan-Some, a 10-year-old gelding owned by Linda Allen, has previously evented at 4* level and was once an Olympic hopeful. Following an injury and slow rehabilitation, he has transitioned to classes like the Eventing Grand Prix and show jumping. This year, he has already qualified for the Horse of the Year Show in the Grade C qualifier at the South of England Show.
The overall team competition was won by Team Charles Owen, consisting of Sarah Bullimore, Lucy Stimson, Morven Pringle and Emily Gieron.
The excitement at Bolesworth continues all this week with further ranking classes, offering spectators the chance to witness Olympic longlisted athletes in action. The competition builds towards the CSI3* 1.55m Grand Prix on Sunday, sponsored by Al Shira’aa, with other highlights of the week include the LeMieux Puissance and Young Horse Finals, making this a must-see event for equestrian enthusiasts!
As the sport draws to a close on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th June, spectators can also party then night away at the Bolesworth Live Music stage, which is included in all general admission tickets for each day – acts such as Rick Parfitt Jnr and The RPJ Band, Phats & Small, Coyote Live and DJ John Jones!
A full weekend of family entertainment is also on offer with fairgrounds, pony rides, dog agility, hot air balloon launches and a hybrid and EV zone!
Tickets are available to purchase via our website www.bolesworth.com/international