The Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, presented by Al Shira’aa, enoyed a thrilling CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix Qualifier, sponsored by HM3 Legal. The competition marked the first ranking class of the week, welcoming an impressive lineup of 63 entries, including elite athletes vying for Olympic glory.
Among the competitors were four of the six longlisted athletes for Team GB for the upcoming Olympics: Robert Whitaker aboard his longlisted horse Vermento, Scott Brash, Tim Gredley, and Joseph Stockdale. Adding to the impressive lineup was the reigning Bolesworth International Grand Prix champion, Billy Twomey, with Chat Botte ED, a horse owned by the Sue Davies’ Trust.
The course, designed by Javier Trenor, provided a great challenge, with the treble combination at fence 12 a particularly influential obstacle. A total of 15 riders emerged before the first clear round was had by British rider Jake Ward, aboard Davinci Vd Bosrand Z, who set a time of 69.34 seconds—the fastest in the first round.
A flurry of clear rounds followed, with the top 12 riders qualifying for the jump-off, from which we witnessed six clears and six rounds marred by faults.
Ultimately, Seamus Hughes Kennedy emerged victorious aboard Esi Rocky, clocking in a clear round at 37.7 seconds. Current Bolesworth Grand Prix titleholders Billy Twomey with Chat Botte ED were hot on his heels, finishing in 38.89 seconds. Nicole Lockhead Anderson secured third place riding Imagine H, posting a time of 39.10 seconds, with Paris Olympic hopeful Robert Whitaker and Vermento claiming fourth with a time of 39.16 seconds.
Winning horse, Esi Rocky, co-owned by Seamus Hughes Kennedy and his mother Barbara, has shown remarkable progress since being purchased as a three-year-old from Seamus’ uncle. In 2023, the then eight-year-old horse and Seamus achieved individual and team gold at the Young Rider Europeans. Winning the 1.50m Grand Prix qualifier at Bolesworth marks another significant milestone for the now nine-year-old horse and his rider.
Reflecting on his victory, Hughes Kennedy said
“I feel very lucky to have won this class. The course was a great test, and to win at Bolesworth means a lot. Esi has all the jump and stride required and really focuses when he gets in the ring. It’s something I hope he continues to do for me this week as we head into the Grand Prix final on Sunday. I’m very excited for his future.”
The excitement at Bolesworth continues all this week with further ranking classes, offering spectators the chance to witness Olympic longlisted athletes in action. The competition builds towards the CSI3* 1.55m Grand Prix on Sunday, sponsored by Al Shira’aa, with other highlights of the week include the LeMieux Puissance and Young Horse Finals, making this a must-see event for equestrian enthusiasts!
As the sport draws to a close on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th June, spectators can party the night away at the Bolesworth Live Music stage, which is included in all general admission tickets for each day – acts such as Rick Parfitt Jnr and The RPJ Band, Phats and Small, Coyete Live and DJ John Jones!
A full weekend of family entertainment is also on offer with fairgrounds, pony rides, dog agility, hot air ballon launches and a hybrid and EV zone!
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.