Olympic contenders confirm final run at Bolesworth

Olympic contenders confirm final run at Bolesworth


The excitement continues to build at the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show as the arenas are primed, prepped and ready to welcome 350 riders, including Olympic contenders Holly Smith & Ben Maher for Team GB, Michael Duffy for Ireland and multi-talented Christopher Burton for the Australian eventing team. Hosted from Wednesday 7th – Sunday 12th July, Bolesworth are excited to welcome back riders, owners and spectators for the first time in three years.


As one of their final events before embarking on their trip to the Tokyo games, Ben and Holly will be competing for a share of the impressive £150,000 prize fund at Bolesworth, alongside a truly international line up of leading combinations from Sweden, America, Germany and Denmark.Joining Ben and Holly at Bolesworth and aiming for a spot in Sunday’s highly anticipated Grand Prix final will be household names and crowd favourites John & Michael Whitaker (joined by a number of fellow family members including Jack, Rob & William), alongside a strong Irish contingent led by Daniel Coyle, Richard Howley, Trevor Breen and former Bolesworth Grand Prix winner, Anthony Condon. Hoping to continue their good form will be speed specialists and seriously competitive riders Laura Renwick, Guy Williams & the up-and-coming Joe Stockdale, already posting wins on both the national and international circuits.

Nina Barbour, Managing Director of Bolesworth, said: “Sport is truly back at Bolesworth and we’re so excited to welcome spectators, competitors and Olympic riders to enjoy five days of elite sport.“To have world-class combinations competing here as part of their Olympic campaign is hugely exciting for all of us to enjoy. It’s a unique and special opportunity for our visitors to be able to come and watch Team GB riders live in their final competitive moments before heading to the games. We would like to wish all our Olympic athletes the very best of luck!

“The line-up of riders is looking highly competitive across all classes, but in particular the CSI3*, which of course culminates with the 1.50m Grand Prix on Sunday. The calibre of riders competing at Bolesworth will certainly add to an already upbeat and exciting atmosphere at the event, which all the family can come and enjoy. There really is something for everyone at Bolesworth, from the Ride & Drive to the glamourous Ladies Day, Puissance and Ibiza Classics inspired party night, we’re looking forward to a great show!”European Team Bronze Medallist and Tokyo games competitor Holly Smith, spoke ahead of her appearance at Bolesworth: “It was an honour to be picked for Team GB and I am delighted to be competing at Bolesworth this year. 

“The event’s world-class main arena is the perfect place for one of my final competitive appearances ahead of Tokyo.”The top rider from Loughborough added: “There’s always a great crowd at Bolesworth and after the past year, it feels really good to be out competing again in front of home spectators. I am really looking forward to it.”Tickets are now on sale for general admission, retailing at £15.00 for adults and £7.50 for children with free parking. Children under three can enter for free and well-behaved dogs are welcome too. Due to limited numbers, pre-booking is advised, however tickets will be available to purchase on the day and will incur an additional £5 parking fee. For British Showjumping Members, a discounted rate of £10.00 is available on adult tickets (only applicable to pre-booked tickets).

Alongside showjumping, the show also includes BSPS showing classes, novelty classes such as the Mini Major, a specially created Kids Zone, and of course new to the show for this year, the A-List Auction. For many, the highlight of the event is the renowned Bolesworth Elite Auctions. This year sees the inaugural A-List Auction taking to the International Arena on Friday 9th July. A first for the Bolesworth Elite Auctions team, the A-List offers a hand-picked collection of elite yearlings alongside proven ridden horses, already having success both on the national and international circuits. This year’s lots include offspring from renowned sires Christian 25, Comme Il Faut and Cicero Z Van Paemel, and ‘Black Type’ dams Loughview Lou-Lou, Ashdale Luxara and Rubinja. To register to bid, visit www.boleswortheliteauctions.com or email auctions@bolesworth.com no later than 9am on Thursday 8th July. Limited hospitality tickets are still available, with packages starting at just £114.50. Enjoy the excitement of the show with a glass of champagne in hand and take in all that Bolesworth has to offer in the form of top sporting action alongside premium service in hospitality.