Laura Renwick wins opening class at Bolesworth International

Laura Renwick ensured a flying start for Great Britain at the Ashford Farm CSI**** Bolesworth International by winning the opening class on Thursday.

The Essex-based Nations Cup star, from Maldon, landed a thrilling 1.30metre two-phase competition, sponsored by Aggreko, with the 14-year-old mare Beluga.

Beluga, a speed course specialist and regular winner on the British and European circuits, clocked 29.02 seconds to secure a first prize of just under £1,000 in Bolesworth's international arena. The top four finishers were separated by just 42 hundredths of a second.

Irish Olympian Marion Hughes was second aboard Laith, while Keith Shore and Zegreanne Z took third spot, just ahead of Nicole Pavitt and Our Duchess as Bolesworth, running at four-star level for the first time, got under way in the spectacular grounds of Bolesworth Castle in Cheshire.

“She is an amazing horse,” said Renwick. “She has won at every age, and is naturally quick.

“She is back from having a few weeks off, and she just did what she always does. She will jump anything, and that type of class is her bread and butter.

“I know her so well, and if everything goes well, then she is going to be there or thereabouts.

“I first came here to Bolesworth when the show was in a grass arena. I couldn't come here last year, but I had heard so much about it, and it really is amazing. I am so impressed with the set-up.”