Press Release

Friday 1^st June 2012  

DAY ONE PROVES TO BE ‘JUST GRAND’ FOR BOLESWORTH 

Bolesworth has basked in sunshine during the first day of thrilling sporting action. With crowds eagerly spilling in to the stunning showground from 6am, the scene is well and truly set for the action that lies ahead over the Jubilee weekend.

It was a rather local affair in the Dandy’s and KBIS sponsored British Novice, with Chester University student Ceri Strachan taking the spoils. Ceri, who hails from Winsford, led a 66-strong field to victory with her own Brandrith Just Grand.

The Jigsaw Facilities Management 1.30m class offered spectators some early excitement, with a star studded line up attempting the challenges of International Course Builder Peter Gillepsie.  Over 100 riders tried their luck over an imposing track which quickly became influential, with Geoff Luckett proving eventual winner. Bolesworth Estate’s Director Nina Barbour also took time out of her busy schedule, picking up a worthy placing on board the Spanish bred Omeya, a previous ride of New Zealand event rider – Andrew Nicholson.

Suffolk based Tim Page made his long journey worthwhile by winning the major class on day one - the Cleo B 1.40m Open. Quentin Tarantino displayed all his class for owners Tim and Trevor Sturman, storming around a nailbiting jump-off easily fighting off stiff competition.

A rider who had a significantly shorter journey was Nantwich based Joe Trunkfield. Joe, who is currently based with Geoff Billington enjoyed a great first ride on Tamar Wonkey in the Bolesworth Classic. Speaking after his round, Joe acknowledged ‘She is a really nice mare and should make a great speed horse’.

The Smarter Builders 1.15m Members Cup offered another thrilling spectacle as riders went all out to take the spoils. South Wales based Helen Rees piloted Maximo Des Forets to victory in an exciting climax. ‘I really wanted to come here as there are so few good shows like this left! The organisation is superb’.

It wasn’t just riders who were full of praise for the organising team, but tradestand exhibitors acknowledged their excitement to be at the Cheshire estate. Speaking from HKM, Laura Parry stated ‘I love this show, I love the people, the setting and the great entertainment! It’s a pleasure to be here’.

Visitors enjoyed the extensive tradestand area and took the opportunity to be the first to try out the attractions sure to prove popular over the coming weekend.

Bolesworth’s first-night cocktail party saw owners, riders, officials and associates of the estate witness the impressive castle as it was lit up in true patriotic style! Rather cleverly, the organising team arranged for a union jack to be illuminated on to the castle.

A very full three days lie ahead, and show jumping action resumes at 8.00am in all arenas.