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UAE Olympic Team
Al Shira’aa Olympic Team Joins Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival 1024 683 Fred Findlater

Al Shira’aa Olympic Team Joins Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival

The United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) Olympic Team have confirmed their attendance at this year’s show as they gear up ahead of the Olympic Games set to take place in Paris this July!

The confirmed Olympic team, consisting of five riders, trained by Chef d’equipe William Funnell, has phenomenal horse power with BBS Mcgregor now ranked number fifty five in the World, Enjoy De La Mure recently winning the CSI4* Grand Prix at Montefalco, as well as the team posting two major results in Nations Cup events this year!

The Al Shira’aa team will also attend this year’s Festival with a stellar line up of young horses, alongside four UK based riders, who hope to dominate the young horse classes the show offers over the two week period, as well as offering spectators the chance to see the fantastic breeding programme of Al Shira’aa stud coming into fruition with their exciting five year olds starting their international careers.

John Whitaker riding at Bolesworth
Star-Studded Rider Line Up Announced 1024 665 Fred Findlater

Star-Studded Rider Line Up Announced

Top Riders

The anticipation is mounting as the prestigious Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa, prepares to welcome a dazzling array of equestrian talent. With early entries confirming the participation of some of the biggest names in the sport, including John Whitaker, Jack Whitaker, Jodie Hall Macateer, Guy Williams, William Whitaker, Richard Howley, Ellen Whitaker, and William Funnell, this year’s event promises to be an unforgettable spectacle of horsemanship and competition.

The Festival has long been renowned as a premier destination for equestrian enthusiasts and riders alike. Held against the stunning backdrop of Bolesworth Castle, the event showcases the very best in top level showjumping, alongside an Eventing Grand Prix, Puissance, Ride and Drive and a Mini Major, attracting competitors from across the globe.

Leading the charge of early entries is none other than the legendary John Whitaker. A titan of the equestrian world, Whitaker’s illustrious career spans decades, marked by countless victories and accolades. Joining him is his talented nephew, Jack Whitaker, the rising star making waves on the competitive circuit.

A Returning Champion

Billy Twomey is a rider who needs little introduction – having competed at the highest levels of the Sport, including representing Ireland at international competitions such as the Olympics, World Equestrian Games, and European Championships. He has accumulated numerous Grand Prix wins and has consistently been ranked among the top riders in the world. Twomey’s skill, dedication, and passion for the sport have solidified his reputation as one of the leading riders in showjumping.

Twomey is no stranger to Bolesworth Events having won the Liverpool International Grand Prix for a remarkable three times, as well as being crowned the Bolesworth International Grand Prix winner in 2023 aboard the spectacular stallion, Chat Botte ED, the horse that was bought for Billy by the late Sue Davies, who sadly passed away during the same year, making it an emotional win for the combination.

“I’m really looking forward to returning to the Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival this June. Bolesworth has historically been lucky for me and I’ll certainly be looking to give riders in the Grand Prix a run for their money this year! The course designer always sets a challenging 1.55m track with a tight time to really make this the highlight of the Festival!” – Billy Twomey

“We are thrilled to announce such an impressive lineup of riders for this year’s Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa. Each year, we strive to deliver a world-class experience for both competitors and spectators alike, and with names like those we have announced as attending today, we are confident that this year will be our best yet.” – Nina Barbour, Show Director

JCL Insurance Brokers And Leading Eventers Announced For Bolesworth Eventing Grand Prix 1024 683 Graham Austin

JCL Insurance Brokers And Leading Eventers Announced For Bolesworth Eventing Grand Prix

The Bolesworth International Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa, is an extravaganza of equestrian sport, featuring 9 days of top multi-discipline competition along with demonstrations and live entertainment. There’s world-class Grand Prix showjumping as well as Grand Prix Eventing, a speed event over show jumps and cross-country fences in a single round.

As visitors have come to expect from Bolesworth, this will not be your average arena eventing class; with a leading FEI International course designer, eventing greats confirmed, and a renewed leading insurance partner signed, 2024 is set to be a class not to be missed!

Taking place on Thursday, 13th June 2024, with a massive £5,000 awarded to the winning rider, the chance to meet a leading content creator, as well as shopping and fantastic food and drink options, Bolesworth presents the ultimate Eventing experience for its visitors.

Ready to Ride: JCL Insurance Brokers Eventing Grand Prix Entries Revealed

Early entries into the class include two Olympians and World Equestrian Games medallists, Gemma Stevens (née Tattersall) and Jeanette Brakewell, as well as 5* and world-class podium pathway squad members Hector Payne and Sarah Bullimore.

Adding to the confirmed line up so far are riders also from the top of the sport, Michael Owen, Sam Ecroyd, Fred Scala and 5* Badminton bound Nicky Hill.

With Gemma Stevens, Fred Scala and Nicky Hill all having been previous winners of the Eventers Challenge at Hickstead, as well as Gemma Stevens having won the Eventing Grand Prix at Bolesworth in 2019, and finishing in second place last year, both times aboard the feisty speed demon Santiago Bay, the pressure will be on in this high-speed class to chase the win for 2024!

Speaking ahead of her attendance at this year’s Festival, Gemma Stevens said:

The JCL Insurance Brokers Eventing Grand Prix is one of my favourite classes at Bolesworth, it brings so many people in to witness the sport, a great atmosphere, top names competing with a brilliant course snaking around the most incredible arena! I can’t wait to get back out there and hopefully give the other entries a run for their money!

World Leading Course Designer

A stellar line up of confirmed athletes need to be put through their paces on course and we are delighted to announce that this year’s course designer will be the renowned Eric Winter, who is the current Badminton Horse Trials course builder.

As an experienced Eventer himself, Winter has ridden at the top level of the sport globally before hanging up his riding boots and taking on course design full time where he is an FEI international level designer, being one of only 17 “A” listed British Eventing Accredited course designers in the UK. He has designed both the infamous tracks of both Blenheim and Badminton and his aim when designing any course is to divide the best from the rest, all whilst managing the risk to both horse and rider, showcasing the sport in the best way possible.

JCL Insurance Brokers To Return As Title Partners of Eventing Grand Prix

JCL specialises in elite equestrian insurance, protecting the future of the sport. From competition yards and horsebox fleets to professional rider insurance, JCL are experts in the equestrian field.

Speaking on the announcement, JCL Managing Director, Jane Chewins said:

We are delighted to be partnering with Bolesworth for the third consecutive year for the Eventing Grand Prix again in what proved to be such an exciting class last year and are looking forward to two weeks of top-class showjumping on the impressive Bolesworth estate.

Alongside JCL, we are also delighted to welcome on board our friends who will be supporting the Teams as part of the class. Teams of four riders will be drawn for a friendly competition and associated with the following partners – Charles Owen, Helite UK, HorseHage, LeMieux, RE:VOLVE, Veredus, Voltaire Design UK and WR Partners.

Meet And Greet Eventing Star Meg Elphick

Grassroots eventing and social media sensation Meg Elphick has announced her attendance for the eventing session at this year’s Festival with the meet and greet being included in your general admission ticket price, offered on a first come, first served basis!

The meet and greet session will take place at the LeMieux stand on the showground, between 16:00-18:00 on Thursday 13th June, ahead of the Eventing Grand Prix taking place.

Time Is Ticking – Secure Your Tickets Now!

With less than 6 weeks to go until we open the Bolesworth gates and kick start what is set to be the Equestrian Festival of the Summer, now is the time to secure your entry tickets! With tickets starting from as little as £5.60 including fees, as well as a jam-packed schedule of live music, sport, shopping, and exclusive celebrity meet and greet opportunities, what are you waiting for?!

More information on this year’s schedule, admission tickets at up to 50% off gate prices until the end of May, hospitality packages, how to meet your favourite equestrian stars, as well as the hot air balloon attraction times, can be found by visiting www.bolesworth.com/international

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Atkinson Action Announced By Bolesworth
Taking place between 6-16 June 2024, Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa, is set to be the Festival of the summer! With early bird tickets affording you up to 50% off the gate admission price, starting from as little as £5.60 per person, this fantastic offer comes to an end on 31st March 2024, so now is the time to bag the best deal ahead of this year’s event!
 
The prestigious CSI3* showjumping annually attracts a top-class field of competitors, alongside amateur international showjumping, an evening of Puissance, an Eventing Grand Prix spectacular, as well as young horse and pony classes – something for every equestrian enthusiast!
 
Alongside the top sporting action, you can expect an expansive shopping experience, with the showground showcasing everything from quality equestrian outlets, as well as unique lifestyle, fashion and gift ideas.
 
Bolesworth has become renowned for it’s sporting action, live music as well as stunning performances within it’s unique arena, and this year the Festival is excited to announce that the legendary stunt rider, Ben Atkinson, will be performing on the 15th and 16th June 2024, with his mesmerising display of horsemanship.
 
As well as his performances in the International arena, Atkinson fans can also meet their idol, as well as his team of horses, in a unique meet and greet opportunity taking place on Saturday 15th June 2024. General ticket holders can purchase an upgrade to take advantage of this experience which is limited and expected to sell out fast!
 
A key partner to Ben Atkinson, as well as Bolesworth, is an Official Team Supplier to Team GB, Dodson & Horrell, who is also announced as an event partner to this year’s Festival.
 
A leading manufacturer of high-quality equestrian feed for over 80 years, Dodson & Horrell provides a range of horse feed with complete nutritional solutions for all horses, backed and led by science, being a perfect alignment to both Bolesworth and Ben’s values.
 
Speaking on the re-signing of their partnership, Sales and Marketing Director Sam Liptrott said:
 
The team at Dodson & Horrell are delighted to partner with Bolesworth for another year:

It is a great event, in a fantastic location and is set to be an amazing line up of demonstrations and quality jumping. We would like to wish Nina, her team and all competitors the best of luck at what is set to be a brilliant 10 days of sport.
Welcoming the news of the partnership, Event Director Nina Barbour said:
 
We are delighted to be welcoming long-standing partners Dodson & Horrell back to Bolesworth for our extended two week festival this year. My horses thrive on the feed, and their customer service and nutritional knowledge are second to none.  
Alongside the Equestrian action which will also include the well-established Bolesworth Elite Auction, the chance to meet equestrian stars This Esme and Meg Elphick, interactive experiences, pony rides and much more, the festival vibe will continue throughout the event with action and entertainment for the whole family.  
Over the second festival weekend, guests can enjoy an action sports zone, Funfair, interactive zones for kids and dogs, and EV & Hybrid driving experiences. The Live Music will be featuring crowd favourite Rick Parfitt Jr & the RPJ Band on Friday 14th June, with further headlines to be announced for Friday and Saturday nights.
 
Visitors are welcome to camp onsite, and pitches are available for Tents, Horseboxes, Campervans, or Motorhomes from Thursday, June 13th, to Sunday, June 16th.
 
2024 promises to build upon the exceptional VIP hospitality offering, providing a unique experience for guests to watch the action from our exclusive ringside decking, as well as immerse themselves in the varied daily schedule of live entertainment, guest speakers and networking opportunities planned.
 
Fancy a glass of bubbles to watch all of the action in the international arena? The new Bolesworth Champagne enclosure will provide the perfect spot to relax with friends with the best view of the Main ring and a variety of on-site food and drink experiences.
 
More information on this year’s schedule, general admission tickets at up to 50% off gate prices, hospitality packages, and how to meet Ben Atkinson, can be found by visiting www.bolesworth.com/international
Jack Brunell 2024 Arenacross British Champion
Jack Brunell Crowned 2024 Arenacross British Champion 1024 683 Daniel Shires

Jack Brunell Crowned 2024 Arenacross British Champion

Jack Brunell (Stark Future Racing) has won the 2024 Arenacross British Championship presented by Fix Auto UK.

With double points on offer in the final round at the OVO Arena Wembley, the Windsor rider finished in third place to take the title in front of packed ‘home’ crowd in London.

The result means Brunell wins the championship by 34 points ahead of Harri Kullas (FUS Marsh Geartec Racing) with Adam Chatfield (Mark McCann 64 YouTube Channel) in third.

It’s a double-celebration for the new champion, with his Stark Future Racing Team making history by finishing top of the teams championship.

Cedric Soubeyras (Dirt Store Kawasaki) won the final round of championship. In typical AX fashion, the racing was intense throughout at the OVO Arena Wembley, with the podium rounded out by Jorge Zaragoza (FUS Marsh Geartec Racing) and the new champion.

For more information, visit www.arenacrossuk.com.

Jack Brunell Racing to London
Arenacross Races to London! 1024 683 Daniel Shires

Arenacross Races to London!

London’s calling as the climactic final round of the epic 2024 British Arenacross Championship presented by Fix Auto UK races to the capital on 24 February at the iconic OVO Arena Wembley.

After seven edge-of-your-seat rounds crossing the length and breadth of the country, the final is set to entertain fans and families alike with a high-octane mix of indoor Motocross racing and Freestyle Motocross, carefully choreographed into a three-hour live performance that includes lasers, pyrotechnics, and unscripted family-focused action all performed to a heart-pumping soundtrack.

Local hero Jack Brunell (Stark Future Racing) leads the Traxxas Pro Class by 12 points as he bids to end his decade-long wait for Arenacross championship glory, but with double points on offer, the Windsor native will be looking over his shoulder as several rivals remain in contention to take the crown.

In the team standings, Brunell’s Stark Future Racing team lead on 86 points, with Mark McCann 64 YouTube Channel in second with 71 and FUS Marsh Geartec Husqvarna just two points behind in third.

As well as incredible racing all evening, fans can look forward to an electric atmosphere at the OVO Arena Wembley to celebrate the season finale. Expect jaw-dropping freestyle motocross performances, The Fuel Girls bringing the heat with their fired-up pyro show to warm up the crowd, t-shirt cannons, Mexican Waves, rider signings, vendors and plenty of noise means it’s a night you’ll never forget.

Elsewhere on the card, London’s own 9-year-old Jimmy Ball will be hoping to make a big impact in front of his ‘home’ crowd as he races in the AX65 youth class. Elsewhere Kent’s John Slade (10 years old) will be hoping local support carries him through to victory as the current leader of the AX65 Championship.

Reigning Arenacross British Champion, Kent born Tommy Searle will be unable to compete at Wembley and retain his title following an accident earlier in the series. In his role as series ambassador, he’ll be present throughout the event to meet fans, work with the media and keep a watchful eye on the competition, he said: “I love Arenacross and it’s very difficult to be sitting on the sidelines not taking part, but as a fan the championship battle is hugely exciting to watch.

“I’d love to be out there battling for the title, but I’m delighted to be able to continue being part of the event and look forward to meeting as many fans as possible at OVO Arena, Wembley!”

The event will also welcome one of the fastest rising stars of the dirt racing scene, Olivia Reynolds. The teenager from Northampton has been riding motocross bikes since age of three, has been taken under the wing of the legendary US racer Travis Pastrana and holds the world record for the youngest female to ever land a backflip on an MX bike.

Matt Bates, Arenacross Promoter said: “I can’t believe we’re heading to London already! It’s been an amazing season of the British Arenacross Championship presented by Fix Auto UK, with the best yet to come as we go down to the wire.

“The battle in the Traxxas Pro Class has been epic so far and one thing’s for sure, we’ll be crowning a brand-new Arenacross British Champion in London.

“London is without doubt one of our favourite places to visit and there’s no greater buzz than the sight and sound of the crowd rocking at the iconic OVO Arena Wembley as our riders and show wow the fans.

From racing to freestyle, The Fuel Girls and much more – Arenacross is a high-octane evening for the whole family that’s not to be missed!”

Tickets are selling fast, don’t miss the British Arenacross Championship at OVO Arena, Wembley on 24 February 2024.

Visit www.arenacrossuk.com for ticket information now.

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Bolesworth International Eventing Grand Prix Entry Information

The Bolesworth International Eventing Grand Prix sponsored by JCL Insurance will take place on the evening of Thursday 13 June 2024.

The eventing grand prix format will run as arena eventing (under British Eventing rules) within the International arena and be made up of a combination of showjumping and cross-country jumps.

The competition will see show jumps standing at a maximum of 1.20m/1.25m, with three seconds added for each fence knocked down. The course will finish with a joker fence which if cleared will deduct five seconds from the overall time. The competition will be made up of individual placings and drawn teams of four, who will go up against each other to try to take the win.

Entries: Max 32
– World Class Riders – all invited
– 5 wildcards allocated to the ADVANCED (disregarding World class riders) on the BE Equiratings League – BE Stats Centre. 
– 5 Invited British Showjumping riders
– Remaining places will be open entry with a ballot process

Criteria to Enter:
– A BE or BS affiliated member
– Horses must have achieved 6 MERs at Intermediate (incl. HC) or CCI3*-L/S or BS/FEI showjumping double clears at a minimum of 1.30m

Prize Money (£8000 Pot):
– Individual Prize: 1st – £5,000, 2nd – £1,500, 3rd – £1,000, 4th – £250, 5th – £250
– Team Prizes: 1st, 2nd, 3rd – Prizes in Kind.

Cedric Soubeyras Returns to Arenacross
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Cedric Soubeyras Returns to Arenacross in Birmingham

2018 Arenacross Champion Cedric Soubeyras will return to race in the series this Saturday (February 3) at the Resorts World Arena, Birmingham.

The Frenchman will line up alongside countrymen Thomas Do and Pierre Lozzi on a third Dirt Store Kawasaki entry.

The 2018 champion returns to the British Arenacross Championship presented by Fix Auto UK following an impressive start to the year, claiming King of Dortmund honours earlier this month.

Cedric said: “I can’t wait to return to Arenacross this weekend – it’s been a long time. Birmingham is such a great place, great dirt and an amazing arena, so I’m looking forward to getting together with the Dirt Store Kawasaki Team where hopefully I can give them a great result.”

Matt Bates, Arenacross promoter said: “It’s great to have ‘Soub’ back this weekend In Birmingham. He’s without doubt one of the fastest Supercross riders outside of the USA and a rider that was synonymous with Arenacross in its earlier years. He’s also a born racer, so I have no doubt that he’ll be mixing it up at the front.”

Tickets are still available for this weekend but selling fast! Don’t miss your chance to see Cedric’s return in person plus the next round of what’s turning out to be a thrilling title battle between Jack Brunell and Harri Kullas.

Visit www.arenacrossuk.com for more information.

Jorge Zaragoza Arenacross 2024
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Traxxas Pro Rider Lineup Confirmed for Arenacross Aberdeen

The entry list for round five and six of the 2024 Arenacross British Championship presented by Fix Auto UK taking place this weekend at the P&J Live Aberdeen (26 and 27 January) has been confirmed.

French Supercross specialist Pierre Lozzi steps in for Mel Pocock on the Dirt Store Kawasaki.

MX2 MXGP rider Jorge Zaragoza (pictured) from Spain takes over for Dylan Woodcock, who’s forced to sit out the visit to the Granite City due to mandatory concussion rest.

And finally, the big surprise is that Crendon TRU7 Honda Racing star, Conrad Mewse is still entered for Aberdeen. With only 10 points separating Mewse and Stark Future’s Jack Brunell at the top of the championship standings, Conrad looks set to grit his teeth and compete to keep his Arenacross British Championship dream alive.

# Rider Team
211 Jayden Ashwell AJP Racing Suzuki
11 Ben Clayton AJP Racing Suzuki
14 Luke Burton Norman Watt Geartec Racing
65 James Mackrell Norman Watt Geartec Racing
91 Charlie Putnam SC Sporthomes Husqvarna
2 John Adamson SC Sporthomes Husqvarna
59 Chris Bayliss D.A.D. BWR Racing
127 Scooter Webster D.A.D. BWR Racing
33 Ashley Greedy S Briggs 10 Central Honda
407 Adam Chatfield Mark McCann 64 YouTube Channel
99 Jorge Zaragoza Mark McCann 64 YouTube Channel
44 Elliott Banks Browne FUS Marsh Geartec Racing
151 Harri Kullas FUS Marsh Geartec Racing
217 Eddie Wade Stark Future Racing
155 Jack Brunell Stark Future Racing
19 Justin Bogle Stark Future Racing
773 Thomas Do Dirt Store Kawasaki
420 Pierre Lozzi Dirt Store Kawasaki
426 Conrad Mewse Crendon TRU7 Honda Racing
Harri Kullas Belfast Arenacross 2024
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Arenacross Heads to Aberdeen This Weekend

Following two epic rounds in Belfast, the British Arenacross Championship presented by Fix Auto UK races into the P&J Live, Aberdeen this weekend (January 26 & 27)!

After Traxxas Pro Main Event Wins for Conrad Mewse (Crendon TRU7 Honda Racing) and Harri Kullas (FUS Marsh Geartec Racing), the championship battle is hotting up with just 10 points separating the top three in the title race as Arenacross heads to the Silver City by the Sea.

Championship leader Jack Brunell (Stark Future Racing) will be hoping he can return to the top step of the podium at the P&J Live, whilst his teammates Justin Bogle and Eddie Wade will continue their impressive form on the rapid, all-electric Varg.

Competing against them will be Houston’s own John Adamson (SC Sporthomes Husqvarna), who’ll be hoping ‘home’ advantage will help him secure a big result in the Traxxas Pro Class in front of the local crowd. John said: “It’ll be amazing for people I know to come and watch what we do in a great environment. People who don’t usually come can also see one of the most exciting, action-packed sports in person.”

The crowd will also be able to support Scottish motocross rising star Dexter Forsythe. The nine-year-old from Lochgilphead Argyll will compete in the supermini class and is looking forward to racing in front of a big crowd: “I’m so excited to be riding Arenacross in Aberdeen this weekend and hoping the ‘home’ crowd at the P&J Live will give us a big boost. It’s an incredible experience riding in front of the big crowds, the best part of the race is the starts you can hear your heart pounding over the sound of the bikes…what a feeling! I can’t wait to get going…it’s going to be a braw weekend of racing!”

This weekend will also be the only stop in the 2024 Championship with an open pit, giving fans the chance to get up close and personal with riders and teams, take photographs and get autographs.

Matt Bates, Arenacross Promoter said: “I’m still catching my breath from the opening rounds of the championship! What a way to kick-off the British Arenacross Championship presented by Fix Auto UK in 2024.

“We can’t wait to land in Scotland this weekend; Aberdeen is without doubt one of our favourite places to visit following our debut last year and there’s no greater buzz than the sight and sound of the P&J Live rocking as our riders and show wows the crowd!

“We’re delighted to have John competing with us this year in the pro class. He’ll bring a lot of local interest to the event and we look forward to seeing how he does. Beyond the pro class, there’s also thrilling racing to watch the in amateur and youth classes which is sure to get everyone up on their feet.

“Arenacross has a proud history of being a proving ground for young riders and giving them a launching pad other series can’t match. I’m sure the crowd will get behind Dexter and give amazing support when we arrive this weekend.”

Tickets are selling fast, don’t miss the British Arenacross Championship at the P&J Live this weekend, visit www.arenacrossuk.com for ticket information!

Purchase the Livestream here.

Details of Arenacross partners can be found at www.arenacrossuk.com.