After months of preparation, the sun shone, and the clock chimed 8 am for the opening of the all-new Bolesworth International.

From June 14 to 18, we served up five days of amazing world-class sport, entertainment, family fun, live music and more to over 17,000 people! 

The opening day started spectacularly

Alex Bragg set off at an unbeatable pace with experienced campaigner Quindiva expertly navigating the tricky JCL Insurance Brokers Eventing Grand Prix course, set by Andrew Heffernan, taking place in the Main International Arena.

Gemma Stevens riding Santiago Bay secured the second place prize, with New Zealand’s Caroling Powell on Greenacres Special Cavalier rounding out the podium. Click here for the full results.

Emma Stoker and Q Seven took the win in the opening Hird & Partners 1.35m CSI3* class of the show, putting in a very fast time to narrowly take the lead by 0.12 seconds from runner-up Carmen Edwards riding Garou Pommex Z. Third place went to Annabel Shields riding Elgrando PS. For full results of all the opening showjumping classes, click here.

Day Two

Day two of the 2023 Bolesworth International was an action-packed festival of equestrian sport.

Jonathan Smyth riding Mulvin Lui couldn’t be beaten as he tackled the first of two Grand Prix qualifiers, sponsored by HM3 Legal and expertly designed by Javier (Chape) Trenor. 88 combinations came forward for the class, setting the scene for a weekend of world-class showjumping. Jonathan was closely followed by Emma Stoker riding Daisy and George Whitaker riding Peanut. Click here to read the full Thursday results. 

Nearly 200 horses and riders dressed up for the Trooping the Colour-themed park ride, which took place through the morning around the Bolesworth Estate. The ride was in aid of the Riding for the Disabled Association and raised over £2,500. Prizes were presented by RDA Representatives, Ambassadors Joe Stockdale and Evie Toombes and included the best-dressed rider and highest fundraiser.

In the VIP marquee, the hall was packed with eager ears for the panel of inspiring women attending the Women in Business Day lunch. Louise Minchin (freelance BBC presenter), Victoria Price (HM3 Legal) and Fleur Robinson (CEO of Wrexham FC) took to the stage to talk about their lives, their careers and the challenges they’ve faced.

Day Three

Day three of the 2023 Bolesworth International on 16 June 2023 saw an amazing mix of sport and entertainment under the Cheshire summer sun.

The Dodson & Horrell 1.50m jump-off took place as the second qualifier for Sunday’s Cavago CSI3* Grand Prix, and it was a win for Graham Gillespie riding Veneno. An exciting jump-off saw ten combinations come forward, with Christopher Burton in the runner-up spot riding Chedington Hazy Toulana and Tim Gredley in third riding Imperial Hbf.

The Bolesworth Business lunch supported by Connectus took place in the VIP Hospitality, with the highlight being an audience with sporting greats Sir AP McCoy and Michael Owen. The pair and other special guests took part in the notorious Ride and Drive sponsored by Lexus Chester. The resulting teams were: Jay Halim and Neil Crowden in 1st place, Lila Bremner and Daniel Mc Alinden in the silver medal position and Madison Heath and Graham Heath rounding out the top 3.

The RPJ Band kicked off the weekend!

Friday, Rick Parfitt Jnr & The RPJ Band took the stage, with DJ Phoebe D’Abo following on the decks to bring the summer festival vibe to Bolesworth.

Day Four

Day four of the 2023 Bolesworth International was a sun-soaked summer Saturday to remember.

It was a winning day for George Whitaker, taking both the FMBs Therapy Systems CSI1* 1.30m with Zirocca Zoom and the LeMieux CSI3* 1.40m with Peanut. Setting off at speed from the start, only a second separated George Whitaker and second-placed Emma Stoker with Daisy. Following in third was Sophie Evans with Csio Bel. Full results. 

The amateur classes at Bolesworth International were also highly competitive. It was an Irish 1,2,3 in the Roewer & Rueb CSIAm-A 1.15m, with Robyn Mcowan taking the top spot with Zuidam. The on-form Rachel Gredley took 2nd and 3rd with Jalanna and Hobalo, respectively. Full results.

As anticipation built for Sunday’s Cavago CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix, all eyes were on Graham Gillespie, Emma Stoker, and Tim Gredley, all of whom had already won a Grand Prix Qualifier this week. Another strong contender was that of George Whitaker with the talented stallion Peanut, a combination who hadn’t rolled a pole this week and continued to improve with every round.

Master of The Puissance Continues Winning Streak

Against the beautiful backdrop of Bolesworth Castle, a nine-strong field of horses and riders each came forward to take on the challenge of the big red wall in the eVet Drug Puissance.

Firm favourites from the beginning, Puissance Specialists Guy Williams and Mr Blue Sky UK, delighted the crowd in every round, soaring over the wall with ease and finishing victorious over 2m15cm. Second place was secured by Puissance newcomer Ireland’s Brendan Murphy, with Erne Riverrun and Daniel McAlinden with Keatingstown Z Wellie Two in third place.

It was a real privilege to see one of the greatest Puissance horses of all time, Mr Blue Sky UK, in action at Bolesworth, and the crowd certainly showed their gratitude too! Full Results.

The Live Stage was a-buzz!

Saturday night was music night, with sets from The Brand New Heavies and DJ Trevor Nelson; the dance floor was packed with party-goers all night long.

Final Day of The Bolesworth International

Following their win on Thursday, Tony Pearson and Wyoming 19 took the top spot in the Peel Ports Logistics CSIAm 1.25m. The on-form stallion just pipped Isabella Sharifi and Iowenna to the post by half a second. Consistently-placed Aisling Byrne was third, with the talented mare Celeste Spb Z, rolling her first pole of the week.

It was tight at the top in the final of the Helite UK CSIAm 1.05m; coming out triumphant was Grace Wallace with Eau Claire V. The Calvaro Z mare has been on fantastic form, posting two wins and a second over the course of the show. Hot on Grace’s heels was Aljoud Alsabah, with Caballina riding under the Kuwait flag. Securing third place was Aisling Byrne with Bronson de Reve.

Aladdin, Nemo, Mrs Incredible, and other characters took to the main arena to contest the Northcote Stud Mini Major. This crowd-favourite class always promises fast and furious fun, where professional riders are paired with children as young as just seven years old. First, the child jumps a course of fences as fast as possible before the professional rider sets off around their set of fences.

Novelty class extraordinaire Jay Halim was still in a speedy mood following on from his win on Friday in the Lexus Chester Ride and Drive. Paired with Amelie Bradshaw, the duo were unbeatable, first in and leading all the way to the end. Finishing in second was Ben Hobday with Lorena Hanson-Lamb, and Sven Hadley with Freddie Hodges in third. With the crowd supporting every rider all the way, it was smiles all around and a great afternoon of equestrian fun!

Ireland saves the best ’till last!

The climax of the show and the moment we have all been waiting for. The Cavago CSI3* Grand Prix winner has been determined with the title going to the Irish superstar, Billy Twomey, with his own and the late Sue Davis’ Chat Botte E.D.

The last to take on the testing jump-off course, the Casall stallion cruised around the jump-off, never missing a beat, showcasing a true showjumping masterclass. Billy described the win at Bolesworth as “special for him” due to his connections with the show and those locally too. On the horse, Billy commented: “He’s an extremely talented horse, part-owned by the late Sue Davis. As a young horse, he proved challenging and headstrong but is a real winner who is super consistent in the ring.”

Following just over a second behind Billy was another Irish gem in the up-and-coming star, Jonathan Smyth, who won the HM3 Legal CSI3* 1.45m Grand Prix Qualifier on Thursday with Mulvin Lui. Third place and best of the Brits was Guy Williams with the Emerald stallion Ernie of Greenhill Z.

With only five double clears, the Cavago CSI3* Grand Prix provided the perfect final challenge to end a fantastic week of showjumping. Full Results.

A BIG thank you

To all our partners, riders, guests and exhibitors, thank you so much for spending the week with us! We couldn’t have done it without you, and the success of the International is all thanks to you guys!

Bring on 2024!

Day four of the 2023 Bolesworth International was a sun-soaked summer Saturday to remember.

It was a winning day for George Whitaker, taking both the FMBs Therapy Systems CSI1* 1.30m with Zirocca Zoom, and the LeMieux CSI3* 1.40m with Peanut. Setting off at speed from the start, only a second separated George Whitaker and second placed Emma Stoker with Daisy. Following in third was Sophie Evans with Csio Bel. The on-form stallion Peanut, owned by Samantha Jayne Lambert, is certainly one to watch going into tomorrow’s Cavago CSI3* Grand Prix, posting a hattrick of clear rounds over the course of the show so far.

Full results. 

The amateur classes at Bolesworth International have been highly competitive. It was an Irish 1,2,3 in the Roewer & Rueb CSIAm-A 1.15m, with Robyn Mcowan taking the top spot with Zuidam. The on-form Rachel Gredley took 2nd and 3rd with Jalanna and Hobalo, respectively.

Full results.

As anticipation builds for tomorrow’s Cavago CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix, all eyes are on Graham Gillespie, Emma Stoker, and Tim Gredley, all of whom have already won a Grand Prix Qualifier this week. Another strong contender is that of George Whitaker with the talented stallion Peanut, a combination who haven’t rolled a pole this week and continue to improve with every round.

It’s all to play for and promises a thrilling end to what has been an exciting week of sport at the Bolesworth International. Tickets are available to purchase on the gate, we look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Find out more.

Day three of the 2023 Bolesworth International on 16 June 2023 saw an amazing mix of sport and entertainment under the Cheshire summer sun.

The Dodson & Horrell 1.50m jump off took place as the second qualifier for Sunday’s Cavago CSI3* Grand Prix, and it was a win for Graham Gillespie riding Veneno. An exciting jump off saw ten combinations come forward with Christopher Burton in runner up spot riding Chedington Hazy Toulana and Tim Gredley in third riding Imperial Hbf.

Check out the full results here.

Tickets for the weekend are still available by clicking here. Save 20% by buying online or pay on the gate!

THOUSANDS of people descended on Bolesworth Castle for a sun-soaked family spectacular.

The new-look Bolesworth International has been a massive hit with visitors since doors opened on Wednesday.

And there is still plenty left to enjoy before the unmissable five-day event ends this Sunday evening.

Crowds flocked to the 6,000-acre Tattenhall estate – on the border of North Wales and Cheshire – and enjoyed a busy timetable of international equestrian competitions and lifestyle attractions with special guests including broadcaster, author and journalist Louise Minchin, Ernst and Young tax leader Victoria Price, and Wrexham AFC CEO Fleur Robinson, who fronted a sold-out Women in Business lunch and Q&A presented by HM3 Legal today (Thursday).

“I’ve been here many times, it’s a beautiful place – absolutely immaculate – and I love it,” said Louise, who also discussed the release of her new book, Fearless.

Reflecting on a whirlwind season which included promotion from the National League, backed by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Fleur added: “It’s fantastic how the owners have invested in the club and the community.

“It’s amazing to be a part of it and the interest and growth has been incredible. The club has seen turnover rise from £2.5m to £20m and as part of their mission statement they made it clear they wanted to develop the stadium, increase crowds, and make a difference in the community.

“They are also aiming for the Premier League. There are no major timescales attached to this but it’s the ultimate ambition.”

Thursday also featured an A-List Auction and Gala night with Gallagher and a Trooping the Colour charity park ride in aid of the RDA (Rising for the Disabled) with Sir Lee Pearson CBE, ahead of Friday’s Business Day, where a networking session with horseracing legend Sir A P McCoy and former England and Liverpool striker Michael Owen will be among the highlights.

Bolesworth’s Managing Director Nina Barbour says the “incredible response” from the public means they are well on track to achieve 250,000 annual visitors ahead of the Castle’s 200^th anniversary in 2028.

“The Estate has been a hive of activity since the launch on Wednesday, with crowds of people from across the country joining the celebrations,” said Nina.

“Show jumping in the main arena has been world class, and well contested, with some of the top names taking part.

“The crowds have loved it, the standard has been unbelievably high and it was great to see a female winner in Faye Adams.”

She added: “The business and networking events have also been well attended, and I would like to thank all our special guests for being a part of what has been the most packed programme we have ever put together.”

The coming days will also include live music, when The Brand New Heavies, DJs Trevor Nelson and Phoebe D-Abo, and Rick Parfitt Jr and the RPJ Band take to the stage.

An extensive shopping village and food and drink outlets look to be even busier over the weekend as tickets continue to sell rapidly, and families have been enjoying a raft of activities from pony rides and land and water zorbing, to FMX and BMX stunt displays, a wildlife petting zoo, beekeeping, falconry, dog training, fairground, action horses, barbecue masterclasses and more.

EV and Hybrid vehicle experience zones have also proven popular, with nine leading brands available to test drive on and off site.

“We have had the most amazing few days but there is still so much more to come so book your tickets soon – don’t miss out!”

Bolesworth International runs until Sunday (June 18). For the latest news and information and to book tickets, visit the website www.bolesworth.com/international or call 01829 782210.

Day two of the 2023 Bolesworth International was an action-packed festival of equestrian.

Jonathan Smyth riding Mulvin Lui couldn’t be beaten as he tackled the first of two Grand Prix qualifiers, sponsored by HM3 Legal and expertly designed by Javier (Chape) Trenor. 88 combinations came forward for the class which set the scene for a weekend of world-class showjumping. Jonathan was closely followed by Emma Stoker riding Daisy and George Whitaker riding Peanut.

Click here to read the full Thursday results. 

Nearly 200 horses and riders dressed up for the Trooping the Colour themed park ride which took place through the morning around the Bolesworth Estate. The ride was in aid of the Riding for the Disabled Association and raised over £2,500. Prizes were presented by RDA Representatives, Ambassadors Joe Stockdale and Evie Toombes, and included the best dressed rider and highest fundraiser.

The stage is set for an unbelievable weekend of live music! Fridays see Rick Parfitt Jr & The RPJ Band take to the stage with DJ Phoebe D’Abo following on the decks to bring the summer festival vibe to Bolesworth. Saturday is for the 90’s lovers with The Brand New Heavies and DJ Trevor Nelson getting the party started.

If you’d like to join us for a fantastic weekend of sport, live music, entertainment and much more in the glorious summer sun, visit www.bolesworth.com/international and get tickets; you can buy on the gate but it’s 20% cheaper in advance online!

The opening day of the 2023 Bolesworth International started spectacularly on 14 June 2023.

Alex Bragg set off at an unbeatable pace with experienced campaigner Quindiva expertly navigating the tricky JCL Insurance Brokers Eventing Grand Prix course, set by Andrew Heffernan, taking place in the Main International Arena.

The second place prize was secured by Gemma Stevens riding Santiago Bay, with New Zealand’s Caroling Powell on Greenacres Special Cavalier rounding out the podium.

Click here for the full results.

Emma Stoker and Q Seven took the win in the opening Hird & Partners 1.35m CSI3* class of the show, putting in a very fast time to narrowly take the lead by 0.12 seconds from runner-up Carmen Edwards riding Garou Pommex Z. Third place went to Annabel Shields riding Elgrando PS. Tomorrow gets serious as we see the top International riders take on the first of two qualifiers for the Cavago Grand Prix on Sunday, it’s all to play for so make sure you have your tickets!

For full results of all the opening showjumping classes click here.

Tickets are still available for the remainder of the show at www.bolesworth.com/international.

Women in Business Day takes place this Thursday, and the latest addition to our panel is truely inspiring…

Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased our near-neighbours Wrexham AFC in 2021, they’ve become one of the most talked-about football clubs in the world. They recently celebrated their triumphant return to the football league!

Shortly after the take-over, the Hollywood stars picked former Burton Albion Commercial Director Fleur Robinson to be their new CEO and manage the club day-to-day and we’re delighted to confirm Fleur will join the panel for our Women in Business Day this Thursday, 15 June to discuss her career in football, working with Ryan and Rob and much more!

Fleur Robinson

Fleur’s pathway to CEO started in the home dressing room at Burton Albion, where her father, Ben Robinson, has been chairman over a span of some 45 years. She followed in her father’s footsteps and is now one of the most prominent female executives in professional football.

A busy few months have ensued since being appointed by her Hollywood bosses in March. From negotiating Wrexham’s debut in Fifa 22 – the first-ever non-league club to be included in the game – to navigating the fly-on-the-wall cameras capturing a docu-series about the takeover, ‘Welcome To Wrexham’ (a good watch on Netflix!)

As the first black female CEO of a professional football club, Fleur was named on football’s prestigious Black List for influential role models within the national game. It is the second time she has appeared on the list and, while she says that “people don’t particularly see me as being a woman of colour,” some of the experiences of her father remain etched in her mind.

“Certainly my father has probably encountered some negativity in boardrooms,” she says. “People going to their male white colleagues first to shake hands. It’s quite sad that we haven’t seen that diversity within boardrooms, or football clubs. I’m a believer that you have to see it to believe it and there haven’t been those role models in place.”

As a woman, she has had her own challenging experiences. She recalls her first commercial managers’ meeting after Burton were promoted to the Conference (now the National League) under Nigel Clough in 2002. “I was the only female around the table, and half the age of the rest of the people,” she says. Another place of frustratingly slow change has been the Football Association, but Robinson was appointed to the Council in 2016 and there is an ongoing drive to finally make the organisation more representative of the communities it serves.

“It is becoming a more inclusive environment – I was only speaking to [female] CEOs at Grimsby and Harrogate this week,” says Robinson. “There are more of us in these key roles, which is important for the next generation. It is evolving but not as quickly as we would like. There are challenges. I see it now. You go to a boardroom, and people gravitate to the male party you are with as opposed to you as a female. That’s the generation change that needs to happen. Any organisation needs to have that diverse workforce to bring different cultures together to create ideas. And it’s not just the boardroom. I’m also a big advocate for the administration support within football!”

We’re delighted to confirm Fleur will be joining the panel for our Women in Business Day this Thursday, 15 June to discuss her career in football, and working to bring the industry into a newer more diverse and inclusive era.

The panel will also feature media personality Louise Minchin and businesswoman Victoria Price.

Louise Minchin

Louise is a British television presenter, journalist and former news presenter who currently works freelance within the BBC. After her 20 year career on the BBC Breakfast couch, we can’t wait to hear her experiences as a woman so prominant in the public eye and we’re sure she has a few stories to share! Her new book Fearless, Adventures with Extraordinary Women reflects her passion for celebrating women’s success. In each chapter Louise takes on a difficult challenge with a different courageous woman to tell their incredible stories. As part of it she has swum from Alcatraz, free dived under ice in the dark in Finland, and cycled across Argentina. What a woman!

Victoria Price

Victoria is the Europe, Middle East, India & Africa (EMEIA) Private Tax Leader for Ernst & Young (EY) Global Limited. In this role, she drives the tax strategy across the region to bring the most innovative solutions to the dynamic private clients to help them plan efficiently for the diverse challenges they face. She is also impassioned about helping young people to realise their career ambitions and is a devoted supporter of the EY Foundation program. In aid of the charity, she has trekked across the Sahara, climbed Kilimanjaro and completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks with alumni from the EY Entrepreneur of the Year program. These women in business are amazing!

The Bolesworth International

A host of world-class sport will run alongside the Bolesworth International Women in Business Day in Bolesworth’s bespoke showjumping arenas with many female riders in the thick of the action. Top sportsperson Louise Saywell, mother of an 18-month-old daughter, will feature heavily in the higher-ranking classes and will be intent on repeating last year’s victory in the highly-revered showjumping finale, the Bolesworth Grand Prix.

Additional VIP packages that are available throughout the show include the established business networking lunch on Friday 16th featuring an Audience with Michael Owen and Sir AP McCoy, Ladies Day on Saturday 17th, and evening sessions that combine favourite sporting highlights such as the Puissance with Live Music and exclusive Entertainment. VIP tickets are priced from £99.00 (adult) and £78 (child)*.

The brand new Bolesworth International has a packed programme of events and adrenaline-fuelled displays and activities throughout the weekend for the whole family with camping available onsite for Friday and Saturday nights. Highlights include stunt horses, freestyle motocross displays and a new live music stage on Friday and Saturday nights headlining with Rick Parfitt Jr and the RPJ band, The Brand New Heavies and DJ Trevor Nelson. The event kicks off with sporting action from 8am on Wednesday 14th June and runs right through to 7.30pm on Sunday 18th of June 2023.

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GIANTS from the world of showjumping and horse racing will appear at this year’s unmissable Bolesworth International.

With just days to go until the much-anticipated five-day spectacular – held at the 400,000 sq metre Bolesworth Castle estate, near Chester and Wrexham – a host of star names have been unveiled.

Legendary jockey Sir AP McCoy will front a sold-out business networking session next Friday alongside former England and Real Madrid striker Michael Owen, while showjumping Olympians Geoff Billington, Nicola Wilson, Gemma Stevens and defending Bolesworth Grand Prix winner Louise Saywell are to compete in high-class equestrian competitions.

Other well-known names from the equine arena include Joe Stockdale, Sienna Charles, Anthony Condon, Guy Williams and Angelie Von Essen, and inspirational 14-time Paralympic gold medallist Sir Lee Pearson CBE is to present the prizes for the Trooping the Colour Charity Park Ride in aid of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) on Thursday.

That same day – and fresh from winning promotion back to the English Football League with the support of Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, Wrexham AFC chief executive Fleur Robinson will join TV presenter, journalist and author Louise Minchin and Ernst and Young tax strategist Victoria Price for the Women in Business Day.

Bolesworth’s Managing Director Nina Barbour said the packed lifestyle and equestrian programme has something for everyone, as they aim to achieve 250,000 annual visitors ahead of the Castle’s 200^th anniversary in 2028.

“From Wednesday to Sunday we have so much happening, especially on Friday onwards when we have more than 100 shops and attractions available,” said Nina.

“Whether it’s a relaxing day with the family, action and adventure, live entertainment, the equestrian competitions, or the opportunity to network, we have it all.

“And from the showjumping perspective some of the biggest names on the international circuit will be here, to compete and attend other events, so there is the opportunity to get up close and meet some of your favourite stars.

“Tickets are selling fast so we urge people to get in touch soon – whether it’s for one day or the whole event, we look forward to seeing you next week!”

The event also features live music, with DJs Trevor Nelson and Phoebe d’Abo, renowned soul outfit The Brand New Heavies, and Rick Parfitt Jr and the RPJ Band set to take the stage on Friday and Saturday night.

Elsewhere, there will be barbecue masterclasses, an extensive shopping village, an epic kids’ zone with funfair, inflatables, land and water zorbs, a wildlife zone, beekeeping, falconry, pony rides, stunt horses, an A-list auction and much more, with camping pitches still available for anyone wanting to stay for longer.

And a new EV and Hybrid Driving Experience Zone presented by Instavolt will see nine global automotive brands on show and for visitors to test drive on and off site.

Dogs are welcome, with family dog shows, training and have-a-go agility sessions, retail outlets and lots of canine activities over the course of the weekend.

“The response we’ve had so far has been absolutely fantastic,” added Nina.

“We have gone bigger and better than ever as we know that – after what has been a challenging time – people want to have fun, enjoy themselves and experience something a little different, something that will bring a smile to their face.

“This year’s Bolesworth International will guarantee that, we just can’t wait to get started.”

Bolesworth International runs from Wednesday June 14 to Sunday June 18. For the latest news and information and to book tickets, visit the website www.bolesworth.com/international or call 01829 782210.

For VIP packages, e mail melanie@bolesworth.com.