William Whitaker and Upperclass win the Redrow Grand Prix

Following an amazing four days of show jumping, William Whitaker and Upperclass stormed to the top of leader board in the Redrow Grand Prix on Sunday 12th June, at Bolesworth CSI*** finishing his winning round in 52.55 seconds and claiming the £30,000 winners pot.

Nick Skelton and Aristio were there nearest rivals, coming half way down the jump off list finishing with only the second clear of the jump off so far and shaved over 3 seconds off the leader time, Robert Bevis and Pebbles IV gave a good run for their money but failed to produce a quick enough time and had to settle for 3rd place.

The real crowd pleaser came from William Whitaker ‘I was quick back to the second from last fence and then six strides to the last.’

Based close to Huddersfield, William runs a yard with his younger brothers George and James, on the family farm where his father and famous show jumping uncles John, Michael and Steven were raised.

From 29 starters in the mornings HJLea Oakes International Amateur Grand Prix a total of thirteen combinations jumped clear in the first round, second in was 17 year old Carmen Edwards who had a extremely fast round finishing in 37.93 seconds, and what proved to unbeatable.

Second position was awarded to Mischa Irving riding 9 year old bay mare ‘Allana’ completing the jump-off in a total time of 41.23 seconds and coming swiftly in on third position was Sarah Hutton riding 13 year old bay mare ‘Urminka’finishing the jump-off in a total time of 42.39 seconds.

Carmen and the 10 year old, grey mare Bow House Secret have been on top form at Bolesworth InternationaI and this is their second win of the week having also taken first position in the TRMInternational Amateur Competition on Thursday 12th June
‘We hadn’t meant to turn so tight, but I saw a stride and I just went for it’ says Carmen.

Jemma Kirk triumphed in the International 1.40m Grand Prix with her 18 year old Bay gelding Wexford. Eighteen combinations jumped off and 26 year old Jemma was in an ideal position – in third from last to go, Tim Gredley and Unex Mega Star were their closest rivals with a time of 40.66 seconds to finish in 2nd place and John Whitaker an Lord of Arabia took 3rd.

Currently based in Normandy Jemma has the opportunity to get the 18 year old fit on the beaches, ‘He loves it here at Bolesworth it’s such a good atmosphere, I didn’t expect so many in the jump off, he was quick all the way and I had to hold for the distance to the last’.

A win for Richard Howley riding Golden Arrow II brought to a close what has been an incredibly successful CSI***, the show has created a real ‘buzz’ and has achieved what Nina Barbour set out to create. The show has impressed riders, owners, sponsors and the general public, from the amazing new Andrews Bowen arena, the show jumping and the all round entertainment and atmosphere has been tremendous.