Posted: 17th June 2019 | Back to news feed

Three Cheers for Bolesworth Puissance

 Holly Smith completed a remarkable puissance Grand Slam when she shared in a three-way tie for victory at the Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show.

British star Holly had already claimed puissance titles at the Theraplate UK Liverpool International Horse of the Year Show, London International Horse Show and Horse of the Year Show.

And she added Bolesworth to her collection, clearing a fifth round height of 2.20 metres (7ft 2in) on Quality Old Joker to share top spot in the Equitop GLME Puissance with fellow British challenger Alfie Bradstock, riding H. d'OR, and Ireland's Michael Pender with Hearton du Bois Halleux.

A total of eight combinations began the maximum five-round contest, and five remained in contention - the eventual winners, plus Nick Benterman and Ireland's Nano Healy, who both took bricks out of the giant red wall.  The top three, though, could not be separated as they showcased graceful, athletic and power jumping at its finest.

Holly said: "He has won the four now. He never normally does very well outdoors - he has never gone well at Dublin, for instance - but he was great tonight.

"It is quite special, actually, for these horses to keep doing it over and over again. A lot of them do it once or twice, but these seem to keep coming out and keep doing it."

Alfie is a former Liverpool puissance winner, and he said: "Going after Holly after every round, you knew she would go through to the next round, so it was just about keeping yourself in contention."

And Michael, also a previous Liverpool champion, added: "My horse jumped brilliantly tonight. I am absolutely delighted."

 

Harry Makes His Mark at Bolesworth

Harry Charles made his mark on day four of the Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show as he claimed another fine victory with 11-year-old mare Doulita. The combination showcased their quality by claiming an impressive win at the Theraplate UK Liverpool International Horse Show six months ago.

And there was no stopping them in Bolesworth's Castle Arena as they took the AA-sponsored four-star two phase class.  Their time of 26.10 seconds denied Georgia Tame a second success in 24 hours aboard 27 Canya Dance, with just 86 hundredths of a second separating the top four finishers.

Matt Sampson was third with Firefly W, and Ireland's Sven Hadley filled fourth spot on Sumas Taloubet. Hampshire-based Harry, 20, is the son of London 2012 gold medal-winning Great Britain showjumping team member Peter Charles, and rates among the sport's brightest British prospects.

And he underlined the quality of a flourishing partnership by producing a performance that oozed class, particularly during the jump-off phase.  "Doulita won a big class at Liverpool, but this would be only her second show this year," Harry said. "She was super today.

"She is a really fast horse, and as a rider, it's perfect because you only have to think - you don't have to move her up. All you have got to do is keep it tight, and she is exceptional against the clock. "It is always close in a two-phase competition. I felt she was going around there at about 75 per cent, and I could have been faster if I wanted. That's how quick she is.

"It has been a great first half of the year. I have been part of the Global Champions League team competition, and competed in Cannes last weekend. I also went to Doha for the first time this year.

"Last year was kind of my break-out year, and this year it has been living the dream."

 

 Lila Makes an Impression at Bolesworth

 Lila Bremner hailed her pony "one in a million" after claiming an outstanding win on her debut at the Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show.  Lila's father - television star and impressionist Rory Bremner - looked on as she delivered an immaculate display in the International Arena to land the Brown Shipley 148cms pony grand prix with Lapislazuli, which is owned by Lila's mother Tessa. 

They were the only combination from 28 starters to go clear in round one and the jump-off over testing courses that showcased some of the leading British pony riders at their finest. Claudia Moore and Shamrock du Gite finished second, with Megan Li and Harry taking third and Francesca Young finishing fourth aboard Carnhill Luna.

"It was quite a tricky course, but he jumped really well," Cotswolds-based Lila said. "He tries so hard for me. I got him when he was six, when he had not done much and I had not done much, and we have kind of grown together. This would be one of my bigger wins.

"He is so laid-back, but tries his hardest every time. He is one in a million, and we have got a really good partnership. It is my first time at Bolesworth, and it is an amazing venue. To win here is incredible."

Tabitha Kyle completed a Bolesworth and Liverpool double when she won the 138cms pony grand prix, sponsored by Pony of the Year Show. The Leicestershire-based rider has been a prolific performer on the national and European stages, and she added Bolesworth 138cms success to the Liverpool title she collected six months ago.

The 11-year-old qualified three ponies for the jump-off, and she triumphed on last-to-go Playboy van de Zoetewei, taking more than three seconds off the time set by Noora von Bulow and Tullineaskey Fear Deas.  Noora took second spot, with Rachel Proudley and Icaris W completing the podium places.

Tabitha said: "I am really happy with that. It is a really big achievement for me after working our way up during the last three years. I came here three years ago, and my ponies were still very young and quite spooky, and last year at Bolesworth I was second on Playboy, so it is really nice to have a win.

"My ponies have been very consistent and are jumping really well, and Playboy has settled down a lot in the last couple of years."

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