Some of Britain’s leading showjumpers will be in action at the Bolesworth Showjumping Classic this week.   The event has attracted Olympians, London 2012 hopefuls and international riders.

 

The show, with a total prize fund of £70,000, is becoming recognised as one of the UK’s most prestigious and exciting new equestrian events.    The show runs from Thursday (June 9) to Sunday (June 12) at Bolesworth Castle, between Chester and Whitchurch.

 

 John Whitaker

Picture: Graham Loader - Blue Print Studios

 

Riders in action this week are John Whitaker, Tim Stockdale, Paul Barker, Joe Whitaker, William Whitaker, David McPherson, Tim Page, Geoff Billington, Scott Smith and Keith Shore.   International riders include Irish riders Anthony Condon and Dave Quigley; Americans Cortie Wetherill and Julie Welles, who are based at Nick Skelton’s yard; and Barbados-based rider Sara Jones. 

 

John Whitaker said: "Bolesworth is becoming a really good show.  Although it's a new show, it's already got a great reputation amongst riders for professionalism and atmosphere.  I'm really looking forward to competing and I'm glad to be able to support a show like Bolesworth which is trying to make equestrian sport more popular and appeal to a wider audience. 

 

"London 2012 is now just over a year away and Bolesworth will give its visitors a small taste of what it will be like at the Olympics.   All the leading showjumpers have their sights set on London and the events this year are an important part of our build up in the Olympic cycle.  This is where it all starts for those of us determined to be at Grenwich Park next summer."

 

Bolesworth has 40 different showjumping classes, attracting the top experienced and junior riders.   On Sunday, (June 12) the Bolesworth Classic Grand Prix has prize money totalling £18,000.    Saturday’s (June 11) highlight is the Express Eventing qualifier, where 2011 Badminton champion, Mark Todd and former Badminton and Burghley winner, Oliver Townend will be in action

 

Entertainment includes a sell-out performance by the X Factor’s Ruth Lorenzo at the Bolesworth Big Night Out, cooking with celebrity chef Brian Mellor, demonstrations by leading shoe designer CLEO B, the Fashion Fete with television hairdresser Tommy van der Veken, the Jive Pony display team, Fine Food Marquee, arts and crafts, Hall’s Antiques Roadshow, WOW balls, pony rides, shooting, archery, fun fair and Punch and Judy.

 

www.bolesworthclassic.com

 

Project part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development:  Europe investing in rural areas. 

Project delivered through the Northwest Development Agency via Defra.