Press Release

Saturday 2^nd June 2012, 2008hrs

 

CLASSIC CROWD WITNESS A THRILLING 2^ND DAY AT BOLESWORTH

The Bolesworth Classic has given crowds yet another spectacle on its second day of events. A damp start to the day did very little to stop the swards of people wanting to get in on a piece of the day’s action, with a record crowd turning out.

 

Competition in all three arenas started promptly at 8.00am, and it was Welsh pony riders that quickly displayed their form. Holyhead based Christie Pritchard won the JC/JA aboard Quick Star de Jochri, while Ffion Richards of Clwyd enjoyed two wins in other early classes.

With an array of International riders prying for the impressive prize money on offer, the morning was action packed, and the lunchtime Eventing Grand Prix was a serious crowd pleaser. With hardly a viewing space left, commentator Steven Wilde had to resort to standing on top of a horsebox, to get a clear view of the action on which to report! In what was always going to be an adrenalin fuelled two hours, the Eventing Grand Prix did not disappoint as eventers  and showjumpers took to an extensive and twisty show jumping course followed by a testing, imposing cross country course. With time an ever-pressing issue, several riders took risks which resulted in their downfall, including Ellen Whitaker who parted company from DHI Veni Vedi Vici at the narrow corner. Ellen was none the worse for her fall and went on to compete in the afternoon with her other rides.

Several top eventing combinations took part, including Clea Phillips with the ever popular Lead The Way. In the end it was Zoe Adams who took the spoils riding her own Satonamillion. Zoe put in an effortless show jumping round, before storming around the solid obstacles which had riders galloping along a stretch of the tradestand area before re-appearing over a rather influential bullfinch.

Grand National winner Neptune Collonges made a sensational appearance in the Castle Arena in support of 2012 chosen charity Claire House. Crowds lined the arena to get a glimpse of the Hales’ National treasure!

The Pony European Championships Viewing Trial offered a glimpse of the true talent in the world of showjumping and exclusive interviews with the selectors gave the knowledgeable crowd a valuable insight in to the world of selection.

With competition going in to the early evening, the Thermohomes Europe 1.30m ensured that Keith Shore ended the day £750 better off. On board the impressive Zegreanne Z, Keith galloped around Peter Gillespie’s course, beating off a strong field by more than 2 seconds.

Locally based Irishman Anthony Condon took two big prizes on this second day, firstly taking the top prize of £1,500 from the Crabbies Alcoholic Ginger Beer Accumulator with Special Lux. He added to his successes by being the leading Cheshire based rider over the first two days of the show, and added the Anthony Barbour Memorial County Landowners Association Trophy to his collection. It was a late decider, taking the accumulator from the clutches of Jessica Mendoza in the closing stages who had put in a storming round aboard Classic Highfly.

Family entertainment was yet again in abundance, offering everything from vintage funfair rides to falconry displays. Dog shows and duck races entertained all ages, and helicopter rides allowed visitors to view the beautiful estate from a rather different view.

The action goes on well in to the night, as Bolesworth’s Big Night Out takes place in aid of Claire House. Re-Take That will provide entertainment followed by a late disco. With all this going on, it’s hard to believe that there won’t be a few sore heads around tomorrow, with show jumping action resuming at 8.00am!

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