A Sunny Start for Boleworth CSI***
The first International show jumping event held at Bolesworth on the new Andrews Bowen International arena got under way on one of the most glorious mornings of the summer so far, the STX Equine Fitness International 1.30m. Leading the way and first into the arena was Boleswoth Director Nina Barbour with Calle, jumping the first clear round.
It was Keith Shore and Zegreanne Z who really set the pace with a clear in 52.95 seconds, hot on his heels was the eventual winner Nicole Pavitt and her 14 year old speed horse Amaryllis Van De Heffink, shaving almost 3 seconds off Keiths time. Lara Whiteway riding Wotherspoon put in a great effort finishing closely behind the leaders taking third place with a time of 53.00 seconds.
The first of the International 1.45m Longines World Ranking Classes followed, this mornings class was sponsored by NAF. John Whitaker and Woulon L set the pace in a quick time of 39.06 seconds, son Robert Whitaker riding USA Today had a go at bettering his time but couldn’t quite make the time and settled for 3rd place with 39.37, but it was another Whitaker, Steven and Abazu who came late in the field and clinched 1st place, finishing in 38.50 seconds.
This was the stallions comeback international following a year out with a back injury caused by him falling off a treadmill. ‘To win here is just fantastic this is such amazing show, the best I have ever competed at’, commented Steven.
Tracey Lloyd from NAF agrees ‘the event is what Britain is all about, with the beautiful setting and the sophisticated scene we are over the moon, having sponsored a class with a 1,2, 3 Whitaker line up, we believe is a first in a Longines World Ranking Class.’
Another win followed shortly after for a delighted Steven Whitaker, taking to the winners podium once again in the Quigley Horse Boxes International 1.40m partnered by Avant Royal Rose. ‘Another great win, I’ve ridden the horse for a couple of years but this is only the third show back after injury.’
At the close of the day victory went to local rider 17 year old, Tom Edwards, son of show secretary Amanda Edwards, who won the International Amateur Competition sponsored by TRM. The grey mare Bow House Secret has only been with the Edwards a few weeks and hasn’t had a fence down in the last four.
The shows opening ceremony took place in the International Arena, show jumpers from nine nations participated, and London 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Nick Skelton took the reins for a quick lesson in four in hand carriage driving from World Champion Boyd Excell.