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Title image credit to 1st Class Images

As well as a return of the brilliant weather, we also welcomed back over 460 starters across 10 classes on day two of the Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa.

Top combinations took to both the Castle and International Arenas today in front of eager crowds who visited the Festival to witness the sport and experience the varied shopping experience on site.

Results from day two saw a continued winning streak for some competitors, as well as some speedy deliveries of rounds.

The CSIYH1* 5 year old two phase competition, sponsored by Dallamires Stables, saw the Al Shira’aa team take victory with Jason Fitzpatrick scoring the win aboard SS Onami, as well as Humaid Abdulla Khalifa Al Muhairi , for the UAE, taking second spot on Errill Z, and securing third place in the CSIYH1* 6 year old two phase special, sponsored by Natural Flake wood shavings. The crowning glory for the Al Shira’aa team was also a win for Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi on Chacco Bay in the CSI2* 1.45m Grand Prix qualifier, sponsored by Ashdale Sports Horses.

Jason Fitzpatrick on SS Onami – Credit: 1st Class Images

Speaking on the performance of day 2 at Bolesworth, Sammi Kettle of Al Shira’aa said

It’s a brilliant result for the team off the back of yesterdays second place for this mare SS Onami who is also homebred by our stallion Tsunami De Hus! It’s great to be back at Bolesworth with a full team of 28 horses over the two weeks and we hope to continue the winning streak!

Jay Halim showed the crowds today that the 13 year old Lord Calando sired stallion, Gentle, has all of the gears in the CSI2* speed competition, sponsored by Hird & Partners. Halim posted the quickest clear of the day in an impressive 58.94 seconds, some 3.1 seconds faster than a very respectable second place for Harry Wainwright with his own and Meribel Investments’ Pinheiro Beech.

Jay Halim on Gentle – Credit: 1st Class Images

Fresh from his win, Jay Halim said:

It’s always an honour to have a win here at Bolesworth, especially with my ride or die, Gentle. He seems to love this venue, I love being here and feel very proud of what Nina has achieved with the show, having attended each one since its creation.

Anticipation builds as we head towards tonight’s Bolesworth Elite Foal & Yearling Auction, presented by Gallagher – an exclusive collection of foals and yearlings out of black type dams, destined for the top of equestrian sport.

All the action from the live auction, as well as online bidding, can be streamed via ClipMyHorse.TV , scheduled to start at approximately 8.30pm tonight.

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

Tickets for the Festival, as well as a full schedule of sport and entertainment, are available to purchase online via our dedicated website www.bolesworth.com

Full Results

Title image credit to 1st Class Images

The Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa, opened today to a brilliant start under a clear blue sky, offering competitors and visitors a taste of things to come this week, with the start of the qualifying classes taking place.

In the Castle Arena, the CSI2* 2 phase special 1.35m class, sponsored by WR Partners, saw a superb early victory in the first class of the day for Joe Davison riding Denny Love Della Caccia.

The CSI1* Speed Competition 1.25m, sponsored by FMBs Therapy, featured an impressive performance by Sven Hadley aboard Topsin. Representing Ireland, Hadley navigated the course with remarkable speed and accuracy, earning a well-deserved win.

The CSI Am-A 1.20m class, sponsored by Equine America, was dominated by Bryony Holloway. Riding Gravin ES, Holloway clinched the first place while also securing the second position aboard Del Piero RV.

A time of 27.80 seconds saw Olympic UAE long listed rider of Al Shira’aa stables, Humaid Abdulla Khalifa Al Muhairi, take the win aboard Errill Z in the CSIYH1* 5 year old two phase special class, bringing an exciting start to his tour at Bolesworth.

Action from the International Arena, in the first class of the day, saw Carmen Edwards aboard Escape The Gossip taking the win in the CSIYH1* 7 year old 2 phase special, sponsored by Al Shira’aa.

Bella Crowley excelled in the CSIAM A Speed Competition 1.00m, sponsored by Dodson & Horrell, riding Caro Z to victory and the USA took the win in the CSI2* Two phase 1.40m class, sponsored by Hird & Partners, with Natalie Dean riding Oasis van de Bucxtale, finishing on a time of 32.60 seconds.

Tabitha Kyle and Desterly

Tabitha Kyle and Desterly sped to victory in the CSI2* Speed Competition 1.45m Grand Prix qualifier finishing 6 seconds ahead of her next competitor, sponsored by Thomas Plant Hire.

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

Tickets for the Festival, as well as a full schedule of sport and entertainment, are available to purchase online via our dedicated website www.bolesworth.com

Full Results

The waiting is over, the hour is at hand, and the 2024 Bolesworth International is open!

We’ve already enjoyed an amazing day of sport in both the International and Castle Arenas in the stunning Cheshire countryside. The best part is that there are another eight days to go and so much more to look forward to!

For the equestrian lovers, this week you might spot:

• Anthony Condon
• Tim Gredley
• Guy Williams
• George Whitaker
• Jack Whitaker
• Will Whitaker
• Angelie Von Essen
• Jodie Hall Macateer
• Geoff Billington
• Shane Breen
• And the UAE Olympic hopefuls!

Plus, there are more than 100 places to shop, eat, and drink, world-class showjumping, live music (included in your ticket), EV and hybrid driving experiences, action sports, fashion, champagne bars and hospitality, shopping, and things to do for kids of all ages (from toddlers to teenagers). Bolesworth International is the place to be this week!

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.

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

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