Holly Smith ends Bolesworth International with fifth victory
Holly Smith rounded off a remarkable fortnight at the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth International by claiming her fifth international victory of the show in Sunday’s CSI4* Medium Tour Final.
Riding the experienced Fruselli, Smith produced the quickest double clear in the jump-off, stopping the clock in 36.52 seconds to secure victory ahead of Ireland’s Trevor Breen and Great Britain’s Guy Williams.
The CSI4* Longines Ranking 1.45m Medium Tour Final attracted 68 combinations, with only six progressing to the jump-off after a demanding first-round track tested riders throughout the day.
Trevor Breen was first to deliver a clear in the opening round aboard Drewmain Musachino before laying down the benchmark in the jump-off with another faultless round in 40.46 seconds. However, Smith and the 16-year-old Fruselli proved untouchable, shaving almost four seconds off Breen’s time to seal another international success.
“I can’t quite believe it,” said Smith. “Fruselli is 16 years old and I’ve had him since he was seven. He’s been off work for two years through injury, so it’s a credit to the whole team for getting him back. We just couldn’t love him any more.”
Reflecting on her successful fortnight, Smith added that the show had been “a coming-of-age” event for several of her younger horses.
“The horses and the whole team have been in incredible form. Shows of this calibre are very rare in the UK and I’m so grateful to Al Shira’aa and Bolesworth for creating opportunities like this.”
CSIYH1* Seven-Year-Old Final
Earlier in the day, UAE rider Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi claimed the CSIYH1* Seven-Year-Old Final aboard Billy Morzine after producing the fastest of five double clears. Holly Smith added another podium finish by taking second with United Boy 3, while Lauren Caroline completed the top three with Wellfields Charcoal Blue.
CSIYH1* Six-Year-Old Final
The CSIYH1* Six-Year-Old Final went to Britain’s Robert Bevis, who partnered Cicerouna to victory in 38.04 seconds. Ireland’s Anthony Condon finished second aboard SFS Dodged’EM, with Georgia Cooper Hall third on Ukira van de Helle.
The two-week Al Shira’aa Bolesworth International attracted elite riders from around the world and concluded with another day of top-class competition, reinforcing the event’s growing reputation as one of Britain’s leading international showjumping fixtures.
