The opening week of CSI3* competition at the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth International concluded in
style as championship honours were decided across a packed day of finals, culminating with
Great Britain’s Matt Sampson claiming victory in the feature CSI3* 1.45m Jump Off Ranking
Class.

The CSIAm-A Two Phase 1.15m Final, sponsored by Cheval Liberté, attracted 34 combinations,
with 13 producing faultless first rounds to earn a place in the jump off.

It was Tia Jayne Posner and Happy-Fomia, owned by Paige Buxton, who came out on top with a
superbly judged jump off round in 26.41 seconds. Just 0.50 seconds separated the leading trio,
with Phoebe Lodge and NPS Jaliska finishing second in 26.91 seconds, while Danielle Perez and
One Poppy completed an all-British podium in 27.99 seconds.

Speaking after her victory, Posner said:
“It feels amazing to take the win. It’s something I’ve dreamt about for such a long time, and I
didn’t think it could ever happen, but the horse is my horse of a lifetime.”
Having only taken over the ride in December 2025, the 14-year-old mare was leased from
Strides Equestrian, who believed the partnership would flourish.

Posner explained her plan was to produce a calm opening round before capitalising on HappyFomia’s natural speed in the jump off.
“She’s a naturally quick thinking mare. She’s always looking for the next fence so she makes my
job easy.”

In the CSIAm-A Two Phase 1.05m Final, sponsored by CG Professional, Annie completed a
memorable double after following up her International Arena victory from the previous day with
another win.

Reflecting on her success, Annie said:
“It was amazing. I was lucky enough to have a win in there yesterday on my other horse, but I
didn’t expect to do the double. I’m very happy with my horses and they gave me their all in
there.”

After receiving advice from trainer Richard Howley before entering the ring, Annie said she
focused on riding every fence as planned, with everything coming together perfectly.
The victory carried extra significance, having partnered the mare for two years. Their first ever
show together came at last year’s Al Shira’aa Bolesworth International, where they finished
second in this very class.

The CSIU25-A One Round Against the Clock 1.40m Final, sponsored by Hästens, saw 19
combinations compete, with four progressing to the jump off.

Cheshire rider Madison Heath delighted the home crowd by claiming the Under-25 title aboard
BP Millionaire, owned by Carrera Stud.

Describing her horse after the victory, Heath said:
“He’s a total show off with a very big ego and a pony like character.”
The pair have been together for two years and continue to progress, having finished fifth at
Horse of the Year Show last season while also qualifying for this year’s Talent Seekers Final.
The feature class of the day, the CSI3* 1.45m Jump Off Ranking Class, sponsored by Hird and
Partners, attracted 68 combinations representing six nations.

Only eight combinations produced first-round clears to reach the jump off, with riders from
Portugal, Ireland, Great Britain and Sweden battling over an eight-fence decider.

Great Britain’s Matt Sampson delivered the winning performance to secure the final Longines
Ranking class of CSI3* week.

Speaking afterwards, Sampson said:
“She jumped great. She can’t turn as quick as some of the ones that went before us but I tried to
use her stride. She jumped fantastic today. I couldn’t be happier with her.”

Looking ahead to week two’s CSI4* competition, Sampson added:
“The plan stays the same, just on bigger tracks against maybe some even better horses. This
show and what it delivers over two weeks is fantastic for us in the UK.”

He also thanked class sponsors Hird and Partners, who are his treating equine veterinary
practice.

The CSIYH1* Seven-Year-Old Final, sponsored by Actiph Water, saw 50 starters with only 13
producing clear rounds to reach the jump off.

Ireland’s Jack Ryan looked well placed with three finalists, eventually setting a demanding
target aboard Galwaybay Winningmood after earlier riding Phenominee FD Z and DSH Vigo Sea.

However, local favourite Madison Heath once again rose to the occasion, guiding her homebred mare Dakota to a superb round almost one second faster than Ryan’s benchmark. Neither
of the remaining combinations could improve on the time, handing Heath her second title of the
day.

Reflecting on an emotional victory, Heath said:
“I’ve been having a bit of an on and off week with my results. The horses have all been jumping
great but we haven’t quite had the placings we wanted. I feel like we sorted that out today.”
The win was made even more special by Dakota being home bred, with Heath producing the
mare herself from a foal.

“She’s gone from being an untamed youngster who loved to buck to a mare who absolutely
loves her job.”

The CSIYH1* Five-Year-Old Final, sponsored by Charles Owen, featured 35 starters, with 12
producing first-round clears.
Under the FEI format for five-year-old championship classes, horses are not placed against the
clock in the jump off. One rider elected not to return, leaving 11 combinations to contest the
second round, with eight producing double clear performances to be declared joint winners.

The joint winners were:
• Harriette Rushton with Rocky G (Impressive VDL – Azteca VDL)
• Robert Bevis with Emerson Z
• Abbie Bevan with Rockstar
• Danielle Ryder with Olilly Promesse Z
• Sian Mileham with Rocketman (Comme Casall – Karandasj)
• Philippa McKeever with Robby (Emerald Van ‘t Ruytershof)
• Holly Smith with Grantstown Lucky Luck
• Danielle Ryder with Epic HS Z (Escape Z – Oklund)

Reflecting on a fantastic opening week, Show Director Nina Barbour said:
“The standard of competition has been exceptional this week, and I’d like to thank all the riders,
owners, grooms and visitors for their support. Enormous thanks also go to our title partner Al
Shira’aa for their unwavering commitment to the show and to the development of the sport in
the UK and beyond. We now look forward to a fantastic second week of top class international
CSI4* competition from Thursday 2nd July with the chance for visitors to watch several athletes
who have been longlisted for this year’s FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen”

Week two of the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth International begins on Thursday with CSI4*
competition and another packed programme of world class sport.

For more information or to book tickets for week two, please visit www.bolesworth.com.

Full results are available at online.equipe.com.