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