Posted: 16th May 2016 | Back to news feed
Olympic gold medallists Scott Brash and Nick Skelton will be among the star attractions at next month's Bolesworth International CSI **** in Cheshire.
And Bolesworth organisers have also announced five weeks out from this year's event that other confirmed entrants include multiple major championship medallist Michael Whitaker, Bolesworth 2014 Grand Prix winner William Whitaker and reigning Liverpool International Grand Prix champion Billy Twomey.
Yazmin Pinchen, who won a thrilling Bolesworth Grand Prix last summer, will make a return appearance, while joining Twomey among a powerful Irish contingent are Shane Breen, London 2012 individual bronze medallist Cian O'Connor and Dermot Lennon, in addition to American star Laura Kraut, British Nations Cup regular Guy Williams, plus the consistent Italian pair of Lorenzo de Luca and Piergiorgio Bucci.
Giving Bolesworth added significance this year is the event starting just 51 says before the Rio Olympics opening ceremony. Former world number one Brash and the ultra-experienced Skelton both helped Great Britain to an unforgettable team gold medal triumph at London 2012, when they were joined by Ben Maher and Peter Charles.
Brash, winner of the £735,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping last year - in addition to being a 2013 European team gold medallist alongside Whitaker - has a packed career portfolio which also includes two Global Champions Tour overall titles.
It means that visitors to Bolesworth will have a fantastic opportunity to witness at close-hand many of the world's top riders fine-tuning preparations for what could be Olympic appearances during August.
Bolesworth show president Nina Barbour said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming riders of such world-class calibre, and it underlines just how important and prestigious an event Boleworth has become.
"This year, of course, there is added excitement with the Rio Olympics, and our early entrants for Bolesworth 2016 underline what a key event it is on the showjumping calendar as national selectors at home and abroad finalise their plans for Brazil in August."
Running again at CSI**** level, Bolesworth's 2016 four-day show takes place in the spectacular grounds of Bolesworth Castle from June 16-19 and promises an exciting mix of supreme showjumping talent, dressage to music, the unmissable puissance, para showjumping, an invitational jockey challenge and Bolesworth's flagship elite young horse auction.
A prize fund of almost £60,000 has been announced for the final day's headline Equerry Horse Feeds Grand Prix, and if that is not enough to whet the appetite, then show-stopping performances from pop bands Atomic Kitten, 5ive and Retake That are also in store.
Numerous other family attractions include a new equine learning zone that will feature rider guest appearances, camel racing, a funfair, action-packed displays, bistro and champagne bar, fine food, fashion & lifestyle zone, plus a shop until you drop experience guaranteed by around 130 retail outlets.
General admission tickets are available at a pre-sale price of just £12 for the opening two days, and £18 for Saturday and Sunday, up to 40% off gate prices. Under-14s can enjoy free admission, while a four-day season ticket is at a not-to-be-missed pre-sale price of £40. Tickets can be bought online at www.bolesworthinternational.com
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