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The Thrive Studio 1024 576 Vanessa Kenny

The Thrive Studio
Introductions

We are Jack and Molly, founders of The Thrive Studio. We have been tenants at New Russia Hall, Gatesheath, on the Bolesworth Estate for nearly a year, providing a private, high-quality fitness facility just outside Tattenhall.

Background

Jack began his career in the fitness industry at Carden Park, where he qualified as a Personal Trainer. He quickly established his first studio in Tattenhall, offering personalised 1-on-1 training. With growing demand and a fully booked schedule, we decided to expand. Together, we launched Thrive Studio in a larger space as part of the Bolesworth commercial portfolio.

Achievements

Since relocating to New Russia Hall, Thrive Studio has seen remarkable growth, with our business doubling in just 10 months. We have coached hundreds of members to incredible success, including significant weight loss results, with many clients shedding over 4 stone. To put that into perspective, that’s equivalent to the weight of more than 60 tins of baked beans! We are especially proud that some of our clients have been with us since we first opened nearly three years ago.

Community Involvement

As a fitness facility rooted in the local community, we are passionate about giving back. We regularly offer discounts and free memberships for charity events, and our weekly classes and gym memberships are accessible to everyone. Looking ahead, we’re excited to launch Thrive 24, a 24-hour fitness marathon featuring non-stop exercise sessions to raise funds for local charities. If anyone has suggestions for charities to support, we’d love to hear them!

Future Plans

Our vision is to continue growing Thrive Studio. Despite opening less than a year ago, we are already nearing full capacity. We aim to move to a larger unit to meet demand and offer an expanded range of services. Our specialty lies in sustainable, natural weight loss, and we aspire to be recognized as the leading weight loss specialists in the area.

Fun Facts
  • We have a diverse client base, with members ranging in age from teenagers to those in their 80s.
  • We have helped nearly 200 people through our fitness classes, gym memberships, and personal training services.
  • During a recent 6-week course, every participant lost between 3-4kg within the first 5 weeks.
  • One of our clients achieved an impressive feat by pushing a 300kg (660lbs) weighted sled across the gym floor and pulling it back as well.

“Bolesworth has been an excellent landlord, always responsive and supportive of our needs. They’ve been open to our ideas and are committed to helping us grow. When the time comes, we’re confident that Bolesworth will assist us in relocating to a larger facility to accommodate our expanding membership base.” Jack & Molly

 

 

People Power and Culture 1024 576 Vanessa Kenny

People Power and Culture

Business owners and HR managers may be aware of the significant change to anti-harassment law which happened on 26th October 2024 signalling a zero-tolerance approach to harassment in the workplace. Here are three top tips from HM3 Legal to protect your business and empower your workforce.

Who does the legal change apply to?

The change applies to all businesses in England and Wales, without exception. If you have 1 or 10,000 employees, you’re affected. If you’re a producer or supplier, you’re also affected. It is now your legal duty to update employees about this important legal change so they know how it will affect them.

Three actions you can take now

  1. Review your policies and procedures to prevent workplace harassment. Will they stand up to a potential claim being made? The new law is likely to require more than merely updating written documents – specific employee training may be needed to raise awareness and change behaviours.
  2. Would the processes you have in place pass the ‘reasonable’ test? All employers must address unacceptable behaviour and provide proof of reasonable steps taken to stamp out workplace harassment. There is no opt-out to taking action.
  3. Do your employees know the legal difference between harassment, bullying and banter? Can you provide all-important proof that your business is taking the new law seriously? If not, it may be time for your HR team and line managers to find ways to train employees about anti-harassment and diversity, equality and inclusion.

Why change and why now?

The legal change is due to an increase in claims being brought (the new law also allows a Judge to add 25% to an award if a business cannot prove it has taken ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent workplace harassment). The update aims to provide supportive and safer working environments where employees can feel better protected – including stamping out harassment by third parties associated with work.

This brief video from HM3 Legal here provides further tips.

As well as strengthening the law, this change aims to promote positive working cultures important for health and wellbeing. Additional benefits of psychological safety include fostering loyalty and employee engagement.

The word 'Budget' spelled out using blocks, resting on a bed of gold coins.
Autumn Budget 2024: Key tax changes – What business owners and individuals need to know 1024 576 Fred Findlater

Autumn Budget 2024: Key tax changes – What business owners and individuals need to know

Analysis by James Clark – Tax partner at WR Partners

In the lead-up to her first Budget speech, Chancellor Rachel Reeves cautioned that it would be a painful Budget, with those bearing the broadest shoulders shouldering the greatest burden. It seems businesses and business owners will feel the impact most.

Whilst some of the tax increases announced today were expected, the severity of them were perhaps not.

Employer National Insurance

As rumoured before the Budget, there will be an increase in the rate of National Insurance paid by employers, rising from 13.8% to 15% from April 2025. To make matters worse, the threshold at which employers pay the tax will reduce from £9,100 to £5,000.

There was some good news for small employers though, with the announcement that the Employment Allowance (the 0% band) will increase from £5,000 to £10,500. This, the Government say, will allow small businesses to employ four workers on minimum wage without an increase to their national insurance bill.

The National Minimum Wage will be increased to £12.12 for employees aged 21 and over, and to £10.00 for under 21’s.

Inheritance Tax

It was anticipated that the rates, allowances or thresholds of inheritance tax would change, but the Chancellor kept the rate at 40% and kept the tax free amount at £325,000. She even kept the £175,000 residence allowance in place that was brought in by the previous Government.

Now for the difficult news: Until now, business owners and farmers have been shielded from inheritance tax on their business and agricultural assets. However, starting in April 2026, this protection will change. From that point forward, only the first £1 million in combined business and agricultural assets will be exempt from IHT, while the remaining value will receive just 50% relief—effectively taxing these assets at 20%. This marks the end of passing on a business or agricultural interest to the next generation without potential tax implications.

The Government will, however, introduce legislation to extend the scope of Agricultural Relief to environmental land management from 6 April 2025.

In a more worrying announcement, the Chancellor announced there will be a consultation to bring unused pension pots into the scope of inheritance tax from April 2027.

There was also an announcement that 100% IHT relief for shares on the AIM and similar markets would reduce to 50%.

Capital Gains Tax

Probably the least best kept secret was the increase to capital gains tax rates, but the increase was not quite as bad as feared. The rates for residential property sales were maintained at 18% (for basic rate taxpayers) & 24% (for higher rate taxpayers), and now all other asset classes will rise to the same levels effective from 30 October 2024. Most people expected CGT rates to increase in line with income tax rates, so this announcement was a bit of an anti-climax.

The CGT rates for entrepreneurs will increase from their current flat rate of 10%, rising to 14% from April 2025 and then up to 18% from 2026. These rates apply to the lifetime limit of qualifying gains which was kept at £1million.

Stamp Duty

Whilst the CGT rates on sales of residential property were not increased, the rates of stamp duty when buying a second home or investment property are being increased by 2% with immediate effect.

Income Tax & NI

In the Labour Government manifesto they promised not to increase income tax and national insurance, which they duly kept to, however they went one step further and announced that they will not extend the freeze to thresholds beyond 2028. Therefore allowances and thresholds will rise with inflation from that point.

Company Car Tax

To give taxpayers more certainty, the Government has announced the company car tax rates for 2028/29 and 2029/30. These show that electric vehicles will see a 2% per year increase in the benefit in kind rate, rising to 9% by 2029/30. Considering only a few years ago the rate was 0%, this represents a large increase for those driving zero emission vehicles.

How we can help

If you have any questions or concerns about the recent budget, please get in touch with our team on 01686 611830 or email hello@wrpartners.co.uk

As part of our commitment as Bolesworth’s Accountancy Partner, we are pleased to offer you a complimentary 30 minute discovery call. This exclusive session is your opportunity to collaborate with one of our specialists for a thorough review of your business.

During this session, our expert team will work with you to assess your current position, uncover potential opportunities and provide guidance tailored to your long term goals.

✆ Discovery Call

To book your discover call, please email hello@wrpartners.co.uk or call 08000 664 664

 

Shane Breen and Scarteen
Shane Breen Claims Victory at Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival’s CSI3* Grand Prix 1024 683 Fred Findlater

Shane Breen Claims Victory at Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival’s CSI3* Grand Prix

Title image credit to 1st Class Images

The grand finale of the Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa, witnessed an exhilarating climax as Ireland’s Shane Breen clinched victory in the highly competitive CSI3* Grand Prix (LR) 1.55m, sponsored by Al Shira’aa. The prestigious class featured seven Olympic longlisted athletes from two countries, alongside a Gold medal-winning Olympian, promising a thrilling contest for the spectators.

The class saw 48 top-tier competitors, all of whom had qualified through rigorous ranking classes earlier in the week, challenge the 1.55m course designed by Javier Trenor. With a maximum time limit of 81 seconds for the first round, the track tested the skill, speed, and precision of each participant.

The first to secure a clear round in round one was Seamus Hughes Kennedy, who clocked a time of 77.64 seconds aboard Esi Rocky. Kennedy, who had previously triumphed in Thursday’s Ranking Class, the CSI3* jump-off 1.50m (LR) Grand Prix Qualifier sponsored by HM3 Legal, faced fierce competition from the 2023 Bolesworth International Grand Prix winner, Billy Twomey, and Chat Botte ED.

Ireland’s Shane Breen and the 11 year old grey gelding Scarteen took the next clear round in a time of 79.58 who is no stranger to a big fence at Bolesworth having taken the 2018 Puissance win and setting a record at the time with the wall at 7ft3. Olympic hopefuls Tim Gredley and Imperial Hbf, who were 40th to compete, also managed a clear round within the optimal time, posting 80.87 seconds.

Local talent James Davenport, riding One To Watch, from the Davenport Stud, completed a flawless round in 79.04 seconds. In total, four clear rounds were recorded in the first phase, with 13 retirements, one elimination, and a mix of faults and time penalties affecting the rest of the field.

The top 13 riders progressed to the second round, which featured nine final jumping efforts and included four Olympic hopefuls. Out of the initial clear round competitors, three (James Davenport, Tim Gredley, and Shane Breen) maintained their clean records. However, early leader Seamus Hughes Kennedy unfortunately rolled a pole, dropping him to fourth place.

Tim Gredley secured third place with Imperial Hbf, while James Davenport and his homebred horse, One To Watch, finished a commendable second. The day, however, belonged to Shane Breen, who delivered a fast, clean round in 50.95 seconds to claim the illustrious Bolesworth International Grand Prix title.

Upon his victory, Breen expressed his elation, stating:

I’m delighted with the win. Scarteen is a homebred, which is nice to have at this level. I thought the first round of the course was quite challenging. In the second round, I watched Tim Gredley go, with the aim of trying to beat him, and thought James (Davenport) might beat me, but today it was my day and I thought everyone did a great job around the course.

Breen’s triumph at Bolesworth capped off a remarkable show, having also placed second in the CSI2* Big Tour LR Grand Prix class last week with Cato Boy and securing a win in the CSI3* Jump Off 1.35m final with Be Golden.

Shane’s win concludes this year’s two week Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival which has delivered 9 days of world class sport, shopping, family entertainment and live music. The event has welcomed 12,000 visitors, with 500 riders bringing 800 horses to the site each week.

Speaking on the success of this year’s Festival, Bolesworth’s Managing Director, Nina Barbour said:

We are incredibly grateful to all the visitors, trade stand holders, competitors, and sponsors for their unwavering support at this year’s festival. The feedback on the new-look festival has been overwhelmingly positive, and we eagerly look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2025. I’d like to extend my congratulations to Shane Breen on winning today’s Grand Prix, as well as our presenting partner,  Al Shira’aa, for their continued support.

We wish all selected Team GB athletes as well as the UAE team the best of luck at the forthcoming Olympic Games.

Full results from the Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival can be found at www.bolesworth.com/international

Guy Williams and Elliott Smith Break Bolesworth Puissance Record 1024 683 Graham Austin

Guy Williams and Elliott Smith Break Bolesworth Puissance Record

Title image credit to 1st Class Images

The Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa, witnessed a historic feat last night as Guy Williams and Elliott Smith jointly smashed the current Puissance record. The packed international arena erupted in applause as the two equestrian stars shared the glory, setting a new record at 2 meters 21 centimetres.

A total of 12 daring combinations faced the formidable LeMieux sponsored red brick wall, each vying for the prestigious title of Puissance champion. The competition showcased exceptional horsemanship, with riders displaying remarkable skill and courage.

Early rounds saw Paul Sims, Ben Hobday, James Wilson, and Thomas Dovkants leaving the bricks untouched for three rounds, a testament to their exceptional partnerships with their horses. However, the fourth round proved their downfall, with each rider causing bricks to tumble and exiting the competition.

The fifth and final round saw the wall set at a staggering 2 meters 21 centimetres. It was a family showdown, with Maisy Williams, daughter of Puissance expert Guy Williams, competing alongside her father and Elliot Smith. Maisy took on the challenge with gusto, but sadly, the 15-year-old stallion, Dalton d’Hoyo, dislodged bricks.

Both Williams and Smith rose to the occasion, easily clearing the wall and securing a joint victory. Their triumph not only earned them a share of the winning €5,565 prize, but also etched their names in the Bolesworth Puissance history book.

Reflecting on his historic win, Elliott Smith expressed his delight:

It feels amazing, and the horse loves Bolesworth. I couldn’t find a better show for him to come to. It was definitely on my schedule for this year to come to Bolesworth and jump the Puissance, but I didn’t expect to break a record!

Guy Williams was equally thrilled with the performance, particularly proud of his daughter Maisy’s effort. I’m very proud of Maisy, and I was hoping Elliott would knock it down so we could have had a family win! he joked. Speaking about his trusted grey gelding, Mr Blue Sky UK, Williams added that everyone expects him to win now, given his past performances in these classes. The crowd gets behind him, and he keeps on doing it. He can be a little difficult to ride in the class, but he still pulled the win out of the bag.

As the excitement from the Puissance record-breaking night continues to resonate, the focus now shifts to height, speed, and talent as the Bolesworth International Equestrian Festival progresses towards the Al Shira’aa CSI3* 1.55m Grand Prix. This highly anticipated class, set for tomorrow, will award the next and final title, marking the climax of the Festival.

In addition to world-class equestrian sport, the Bolesworth International Equestrian Festival offers a weekend packed with family-friendly activities. Attendees can enjoy fairgrounds, pony rides, dog agility displays, hot air balloon launches, and explore a hybrid and EV zone. The Bolesworth live music stage will also feature incredible bands and DJs tonight (15th June 2024), giving visitors the chance to dance the night away.

As the excitement from the Puissance record-breaking night continues to resonate, the focus now shifts to height, speed, and talent as the Bolesworth International Equestrian Festival progresses towards the Al Shira’aa CSI3* 1.55m Grand Prix. This highly anticipated class, set for tomorrow, will award the next and final title, marking the climax of the Festival.

In addition to world-class equestrian sport, the Bolesworth International Equestrian Festival offers a weekend packed with family-friendly activities. Attendees can enjoy fairgrounds, pony rides, dog agility displays, hot air balloon launches, and explore a hybrid and EV zone. The Bolesworth live music stage will also feature incredible bands and DJs tonight (15th June 2024), giving visitors the chance to dance the night away.

Tickets for the Bolesworth International Equestrian Festival are available for purchase on our website www.bolesworth.com/international

Billy Twomey receiving his award for CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix Qualifier win.
Twomey Tops CSI3* 1.50m (LR) Speed Competition Grand Prix Qualifier 1024 768 Fred Findlater

Twomey Tops CSI3* 1.50m (LR) Speed Competition Grand Prix Qualifier

Title image credit to 1st Class Images

The CSI3* 1.50m (LR) Speed Competition Grand Prix qualifier, sponsored by Helite UK, saw a spectacular display of skill and agility as 69 horse and rider combinations tackled the challenging course designed by Javier Trenor. With 15 jumping efforts and an optimum time of 77 seconds, the competition promised and delivered high excitement and drama.

The first clear round of the class was posted by the 17th rider to go, UAE’s Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi aboard Chacolu. His flawless performance set a high standard for those who followed. Ireland’s Billy Twomey, riding his own stallion Ace Of Hearts Z, was next to achieve a clear, clocking in at an impressive 70.38 seconds, placing him provisionally into the lead.

Local rider and one of the youngest competitors in the class, 20-year-old Red Morgan aboard Steve Morgan’s Golia, showed style beyond their years as they chased early leader Twomey, posting a clear round in a time of 70.80

Among the notable clear rounds was Rachel Proudley on Millfield Chrisis, a graduate of the Bolesworth Elite A List auction. Proudley navigated the course cleanly in a time of 76.98 seconds, demonstrating the strong future potential and quality of this combination.

Towards the end of the class, Ireland’s Graham Babes with Monks I Am Casall delivered a thrilling round, finishing clean in 70.52 seconds, edging closer to the fastest round of the class.

The course posed plenty of questions and demanded respect and skilful riding to ensure an elusive clear, with only 9 clears achieved out of today’s starters.

The win went to early leader, and the current Bolesworth International Grand Prix title holder, Billy Twomey, with Graham Babes in second place, and Red Morgan in third spot.

Speaking on his win, Twomey said,

I’m delighted with the win. The horse is only 8 years of age, and he answered every question that he was given. I wasn’t sure if we could hold on to the win today, but luckily, we did!

Twomey purchased Ace Of Hearts Z as a 6-year-old, recognizing his potential from the start. He’s always been impressive, being mentally very good, scopey and careful, he added, emphasizing the careful and slow production process he believes will make Ace Of Hearts Z a future star.

The anticipation now builds for Sunday’s Al Shira’aa 3* 1.55m Grand Prix Final, where this week’s top qualified combinations will compete for the coveted 2024 Grand Prix title.

A top schedule of sport continues this weekend, alongside a weekend of family entertainment with fairgrounds, pony rides, dog agility, hot air balloon launches and a hybrid and EV zone!

The Bolesworth live music stage will also present incredible acts, bands and DJ’s to round the end of sport on Friday and Saturday night, so you can dance the night away below Bolesworth Castle.

Tickets are available to purchase via our website www.bolesworth.com/international

Gemma Stevens JCL Insurance Brokers Eventing Grand Prix
Speedy Stevens Saves The Best ‘Til Last in the JCL Insurance Brokers Eventing Grand Prix 1024 683 Fred Findlater

Speedy Stevens Saves The Best ‘Til Last in the JCL Insurance Brokers Eventing Grand Prix

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

Seamus Hughes Kennedy Triumphs in CSI3* Jump-Off 1.50m (LR) Grand Prix Qualifier Sponsored by HM3 Legal 1024 683 Fred Findlater

Seamus Hughes Kennedy Triumphs in CSI3* Jump-Off 1.50m (LR) Grand Prix Qualifier Sponsored by HM3 Legal

Title image credit to 1st Class Images

The Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa, kicked off its second week with a thrilling CSI3* jump-off 1.50m (LR) Grand Prix Qualifier, sponsored by HM3 Legal. The competition marked the first ranking class of the week, drawing an impressive lineup of 63 entries, including elite athletes vying for Olympic glory.

Among the competitors were four of the six longlisted athletes for Team GB for the upcoming Olympics: Robert Whitaker aboard his longlisted horse Vermento, Scott Brash, Tim Gredley, and Joseph Stockdale. Adding to the already impressive line up was the reigning Bolesworth International Grand Prix champion, Billy Twomey, with Chat Botte ED, a horse owned by the Sue Davies’ Trust. The class also featured four longlisted members of the UAE Olympic team: Abdullah Mohd Al Marri, Ali Hamad Al Kirbi, Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi, and Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi.

The course, designed by Javier Trenor, provided a great challenge for the hot line up of today’s ranking class. The treble combination at fence 12 was particularly influential, with the first clear round not emerging until the 15th rider. This breakthrough came from British rider, Jake Ward, aboard Davinci Vd Bosrand Z, who set an early pace with a time of 69.34 seconds – the fastest in the first round.

A flurry of clear rounds followed with the top 12 riders qualifying for the jump off, from which we witnessed six clears and six rounds marred by faults.

Ultimately, it was Seamus Hughes Kennedy who emerged victorious aboard Esi Rocky, clocking in a clear round at 37.7 seconds. Close on his heels were current Bolesworth Grand Prix titleholders Billy Twomey with Chat Botte ED, finishing in 38.89 seconds. Nicole Lockhead Anderson secured third place with Imagine H, posting a time of 39.10 seconds. Paris Olympic hopeful Robert Whitaker and Vermento claimed fourth place with a time of 39.16 seconds.

Winning horse, Esi Rocky, co-owned by Seamus Hughes Kennedy and his mother Barbara, has shown remarkable progress since being purchased as a three-year-old from Seamus’ uncle. In 2023, the then eight-year-old horse and Seamus achieved individual and team gold at the Young Rider Europeans. Winning the 1.50m Grand Prix qualifier at Bolesworth marks another significant milestone for the now nine-year-old horse and his rider.

Reflecting on his victory, Hughes Kennedy said

“I feel very lucky to have won this class. The course was a great test, and to win at Bolesworth means a lot. Esi has all the jump and stride required and really focuses when he gets in the ring. It’s something I hope he continues to do for me this week as we head into the Grand Prix final on Sunday. I’m very excited for his future.”

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 ballon launches and a hybrid and EV zone!

Tickets and full schedule are available to view and purchase via www.bolesworth.com/international

William Whitaker jumping at Bolesworth
William Whitaker Clinches CSI2* 1.45m Grand Prix Victory at Bolesworth 1024 683 Fred Findlater

William Whitaker Clinches CSI2* 1.45m Grand Prix Victory at Bolesworth

Title image credit to 1st Class Images

In a nail biting conclusion to the CSI2* 1.45m Grand Prix, sponsored by LeMieux, British showjumper William Whitaker, riding the exceptional Chacco’s Lando, triumphed with two impeccably fast and clear rounds. Whitaker, as the final competitor to go, edged out early leader, Ireland’s Shane Breen , who delivered a stellar performance aboard Cato Boy to secure second place. British rider Christopher Smith rounded off the podium in third place with Nicola and James Barry’s Messarado Blue.

The challenging course, designed by Rafael Suarez, tested the skill and partnership of the horse and rider combinations, with only 7 clears out of 46 starters in the first round and 6 clears in the final round, representing six different countries.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Whitaker, who previously won the Grand Prix at Bolesworth a decade ago. Reflecting on his win, Whitaker said;

 “I was in the best position to know how everyone else had gone, with being drawn the last to go. Shane (Breen) set a really good target, and I knew we had to give it our all, which thankfully we did. I just hope it doesn’t take me another 10 years to win here again! The course design really showed how Rafael Suarez cares about the horses and riders, posing good questions, and it got me the result I had hoped for.”

Describing his winning ride, Chacco’s Lando, Whitaker praised the Chacco Blue-sired stallion:

“He’s a very talented horse who I’ve been riding for around 18 months. As a stallion, he can sometimes be easily distracted, but we’re really getting to know one another each month, and learning how he needs to be managed for him to perform at his best. I couldn’t be prouder of him”

In other top action from today’s classes, Jason Fitzpatrick, aboard SS Onami, owned by Al Shira’aa, claimed victory in the CSIYH1* 5 year olds final – Jump Off, sponsored by Dallamires Stables. Fitzpatrick’s skillful riding and Onami’s remarkable agility and speed have made them ones to watch this week in a highly competitive field.

With five wins over four days of competitive jumping, the Al Shira’aa team have made themselves ones to watch as we head into week two of the Festival. Speaking on week one’s performance, Alicia Macdonald, Director of Al Shira’aa Farms said:

“This week has been one of the best performances at Bolesworth that the team has had in four years of attending, with top wins including in a ranking class, four 2nd placings and a top 10 finish in the Grand Prix is truly a reflection how far the team has progressed over the last few years – we very much look forward to week two”.

Richard Jenkinson shone in the CSIAM-A Speed Competition 1.10m Grand Prix, sponsored by Peel Ports Logistics, with a stunning performance aboard Jiroscade taking the top spot as well as Emily Gulliver taking a double win in both the CSICH 1.30m Grand Prix and the CSIP 1.35m Grand Prix.

Commenting on the success of week one of the Bolesworth International Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa, Nina Barbour, Managing Director, expressed her gratitude:

“We are thrilled with the success of the first week of the Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival having welcomed over 6,000 visitors to our venue. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, owners, riders, visitors, and the entire team for producing a fantastic week of sport. We look forward to more days of world class sport  and entertainment next week”

We are also delighted to welcome four of the six British longlisted showjumping athletes to week two of the event, being Scott Brash, Joesph Stockdale, Tim Gredley and Robert Whitaker, affording visitors the chance to witness the riders in action ahead of a potential Paris call up.

For a full list of the results from today’s classes, please use the link below. The action from the Festival can also be viewed live via clipmyhorse.tv

The Festival continues from 12-16 June 2024 next week with more top sport including an Eventing Grand Prix, Puissance, the Mini Major and much more. The Bolesworth live music stage will also see performances from Rick Parfitt Jnr & The RPJ Band, Phats and Small, Coyte Live and DJ John Jones. With a fairground, Hybrid and EV Zone, electric bike track, miniature ponies, dog agility and hot air balloon launches offering a spectacular day and nighttime display, there is something for every member of the family. Tickets and full schedule are available to view and purchase via www.bolesworth.com/international

Lot-18-FF-Ziidam-Z
Bolesworth Elite Foal Auction Presented by Gallagher: A Spectacular Success 1024 683 Fred Findlater

Bolesworth Elite Foal Auction Presented by Gallagher: A Spectacular Success

The Bolesworth Elite Foal Auction, proudly presented by Gallagher, took place last night ( 7th June 2024 ) to a sell-out crowd of hospitality guests and attracted online and telephone bidders from around the globe. This prestigious event, now in its ninth year, showcased a stellar collection of foals and yearlings, reflecting Bolesworth’s commitment to excellence in equestrian sport.

The auction has steadily gained a reputation for producing exceptional young horses that go on to achieve great success in age classes and ranking competitions throughout the UK and Europe. This year’s event was no exception, with a strong emphasis on well-related dams and world-class sires.

The highlight of the evening was Lot 18, FF Ziidam Z, which achieved the top price of £30,000. This stunning Luidam filly, out of the Nations Cup mare Zira VH Kapelhof Z, captivated bidders with her remarkable pedigree and potential. Zira VH Kapelhof Z has an impressive track record, having partnered with Irish showjumper Anthony Condon to secure numerous Grand Prix victories up to the 1.60m level, and represented Team Ireland in Nations Cups. Her sire, Luidam, is equally illustrious, having competed in Nations Cups, European, and World Championships with Ireland’s Billy Twomey.

A total of 19 lots were sold during the evening, with an average sale price of £18,000, reflecting the high quality and desirability of the collection.

“It is incredibly gratifying to witness the success of the foals and yearlings we have sold over the past nine years,” said Nina Barbour, Managing Director of Bolesworth. “Seeing them progress and perform at high levels reaffirms our dedication to selecting only the best and building this auction into a key event on the equestrian calendar.”

This year’s auction was not only a commercial success but also a celebration of the dedication and passion of the British breeders, owners, and supporters who contribute to the ongoing success of the event.

Speaking on the importance of this auction, breeders of the top lot and International Showjumpers, Anthony Condon and Laura Johnson said:

It’s really important for British based breeders that we have the opportunity to offer our young stock for sale in this country using a top platform like Bolesworth, and we are lucky to have 1.60 mares to use for breeding future Grand Prix prospects, for which we’d like to thank The Hale’s family for their support, as well as the team at Bolesworth for all their hard work, making the sale of this top filly possible.

Mark your calendars for the next major auction event: the Bolesworth Elite Embryo Auction, set to take place at Chester Racecourse on Saturday 16th November 2024 – save the date!

For more information about the Bolesworth Elite Foal Auction and to view the full list of lots and results from Friday 7th June 2024, please visit www.boleswortheliteauctions.com