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