There is excitement at Bolesworth in Cheshire today, as 350 riders, including Olympic competitors, return for the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show until Sunday 12th July 2021.
Today is the first day of the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show, which will feature hundreds of riders including Olympic hopefuls Holly Smith & Ben Maher for Team GB, Michael Duffy for Ireland, and Christopher Burton for the Australian eventing team.
As one of their final events before embarking on their trip to the Tokyo Games, Ben and Holly will be competing for a share of the impressive £150,000 prize fund at Bolesworth, alongside a truly international lineup of leading combinations from Sweden, America, Germany, and Denmark.
Joining Ben and Holly at Bolesworth and aiming for a spot in Sunday’s highly anticipated Grand Prix final will be household names and crowd favorites John & Michael Whitaker (joined by a number of fellow family members including Jack, Rob & William), alongside a strong Irish contingent led by Daniel Coyle, Richard Howley, Trevor Breen and former Bolesworth Grand Prix winner, Anthony Condon. Among the riders hoping to continue their strong form will be speed specialists and serious competitors Laura Renwick, Guy Williams & Joe Stockdale, who have already posted wins on both the national and international circuit.
Nina Barbour, Managing Director of Bolesworth, said
“Sport is truly back at Bolesworth and we’re so excited to welcome spectators, competitors and Olympic riders to enjoy five days of elite sport.
“To have world-class combinations competing here as part of their Olympic campaign is hugely exciting for all of us to enjoy. It’s a unique and special opportunity for our visitors to be able to come and watch Team GB riders live in their final competitive moments before heading to the games. We would like to wish all our Olympic athletes the very best of luck!
European Team Bronze Medallist and Tokyo games competitor Holly Smith, spoke ahead of her appearance at Bolesworth: “It was an honour to be picked for Team GB and I am delighted to be competing at Bolesworth this year, just a fortnight before I head off for the games.
“The event’s world-class main arena is the perfect place for one of my final competitive appearances ahead of Tokyo.”
The top rider from Loughborough added: “There’s always a great crowd at Bolesworth and after the past year, it feels really good to be out competing again in front of home spectators. I am really looking forward to it.”
General admission tickets are on sale now, ranging from £15.00 for adults and £7.50 for children with free parking. Those under three can enter for free, as well as dogs that are well-behaved.
The event is limited in number, so pre-booking is advised. Tickets will also be available on the day and will incur a parking fee of £5. BSH members receive a discount of £10.00 on adult tickets (only for pre-booked tickets). For details of tickets, visit the website!
