With a start list of Olympians, European Medalists, Nation Cup stalwarts and Grand Prix masters including 2025’s champion Laura Renwick returning to defend her crown, the stage was set for a fitting penultimate day to the week's four star competition.

Designed by Rafael Suárez and his team, the demanding 13 fence track, with 16 jumping efforts and a time allowed of 80 seconds, asked questions from start to finish, producing 13 clear rounds from the 44 starters. The influential Al Shira'aa combination and eye catching watermelon wall proved decisive throughout the class, catching out a number of leading contenders, including defending champions Laura Renwick (GBR) and Marseille (Toulon x Otangelo), while last weekend's CSI3* Al Shira'aa Grand Prix winner Trevor Breen (IRL) and Kannoon Blue (Chacoon Blue x Kannan) were also denied the opportunity to complete a memorable Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Grand Prix double after having a single rail.

Among those to answer every question were Ireland's David Simpson with the experienced Pjotr van de Kruishoeve (Bamako de Muze x Taran de La Pomme), Britain's Holly Smith aboard the exciting eight year old Nike van het Singraven (Andiamo Semilly x Haarlem), the USA’s Paris Sellon on Chad Blue PS (Chacco-Blue x Sandro Boy), Belgium's Frederic Vernaet on Orak d’Hamwyck T&L (Tobago Z x Toulon) and both John and Jack Whitaker, on Equine America Unick du Francport (Zandor x Helios de La Cour II) and D&H Valmy de La Lande (Mylord Carthago x Starter) respectively, with six nations represented in a high quality jump-off.

The jump-off delivered exactly the spectacle expected of Bolesworth's showpiece class, with the lead changing hands before Jack Whitaker and D&H Valmy de La Lande produced what would prove to be the winning round. Riding positively throughout, the 24-year-old combined pace with precision to stop the clock in 41.64 seconds, a time that ultimately proved beyond reach despite determined challenges from those who followed.

David Simpson once again demonstrated his consistency at the highest level to finish second aboard Pjotr van de Kruishoeve in 42.55 seconds, while Holly Smith capped an outstanding fortnight at Bolesworth by taking third with Nike van het Singraven in 42.68 seconds, continuing the impressive form that has already seen the partnership enjoy Longines Ranking success during the show.

For Whitaker, this victory was made even more special by the partnership he shares with D&H Valmy de La Lande, a horse that has been part of the Whitaker family for more than a decade. "D&H Valmy has been in our stable since he was five and he's 17 now," Jack said. "He's been an absolute trooper for me, kept my career on the road for the last few years and I can't be more grateful to have him. He just keeps surprising us and keeps pulling it out of the bag. I honestly thought I hadn't done enough. Even when I went into the lead, I still couldn't quite believe it, so to win this class is incredibly special."

Reflecting on another successful week for the famous Whitaker family at Bolesworth, he added: "There were six of us here this week, so if we're not keeping it in the family we're obviously not doing a very good job!"

Runner-up Simpson was quick to pay tribute to both his horse and the team behind his success. "Every time I'm about to win something, a Whitaker appears," he joked. "I've owned Pjotr since he was a two-year-old and he's been an incredible soldier. None of this happens without the team around me and I'm so grateful for everything they do."

Third placed Smith rounded off another successful week by praising her exciting string of young horses. "I didn't expect this at all," she said. "I've brought a young team here, but they really feel like they're coming of age now and showing everyone just how special they are."

Congratulating the podium, Bolesworth’s Managing Director Nina Barbour thanked riders, owners, officials, spectators and partners for another memorable week of international sport. “A huge thank you to everybody who has made this week so special – our riders, owners, officials, volunteers, spectators and, of course, our incredible partners, many of whom have supported us for so many years. In particular, I want to thank our title partners, Al Shira’aa, for their unwavering commitment, vision and belief in what we are building together.”

“Our partnership is about so much more than sponsoring an event. Together, we’re investing in the future of our sport, creating opportunities for riders to develop and compete on the international stage, while always keeping horse welfare and sporting excellence at the heart of everything we do.”

“It has been a privilege to welcome riders from around the world back to Bolesworth. To see Jack, David and Holly standing together on tonight’s podium – three riders who have supported this show for many years – makes this a particularly special result and a wonderful way to round off another fantastic week of sport.”