Press release from Bolesworth International, edited by World of Showjumping

The final day of the Bolesworth International, presented by Al Shira’aa, brought the curtain down on two unforgettable weeks of top sport, talent and international competition, set in the stunning grounds of Bolesworth Castle, with the final CSI4* ranking class and finale of the show – the CSI4*1.45m jump-off competition, sponsored by Hird & Partners.

With a start list of 72, 16 jumping efforts in the first round shuffled the pack with some expected performers rolling poles or picking up time faults. Ten combinations progressed through to the jump-off, representing four nations, with a tight time allowed of 48 seconds set by course designer Rafael Suarez (GBR).

It was a fantastic victory for the UAE, as Abdullah Mohd Al Marri stormed to the win in a time of 38.39 aboard Al Shira’aa Stables' experienced gelding, James V.D. Oude Heihoef (Douglas x Action-Breaker), followed by Jessica Burke (IRL) and Romelus de Muze (Bamako de Muze x Marius Claudius) in second and Sean Monaghan (IRL) aboard Tiberio Della Caccia (OTangelo x Cannavaros) in third.

Having competed seven horses across the two arenas on the final day alone, Al Marri closed out what has been a highly successful two weeks of competition at Bolesworth.Commenting on his long-standing partnership with the 16-year-old gelding, Al Marri said: “He jumped his heart out for us once again, he’s been our most loyal servant in the Al Shira’aa team, we have great horses and he’s definitely one of them.”

Talking about his plan going into the jump off, Al Marri said: “I went early, and I knew the fastest two riders probably went ahead of me, Jessica Mendoza and Laura (Renwick) so I was happy that they had fences down to be honest because I don’t think I’d have got that time,” he joked.

The ever modest Al Marri claimed that luck had a part to play, but added that he stuck to his plan in the hope it would be enough, trusting his “always consistent horse” that he can always rely on for the big occasions, which certainly was the case today.

Reflecting on an unforgettable event, Nina Barbour said: “We’ve had two fantastic weeks of international sport here at Bolesworth, and it’s been truly special to see CSI4* competition back on our schedule with a global field of athletes, and incredible 3 & 4* wins by local hero, Anthony Condon, and inspirational leading lady rider Laura Renwick. That wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our Honorary President, HH Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the entire team at Al Shira’aa – we are so grateful for their partnership as well as delivering our shared vision of developing the sport and making it accessible to riders at all levels, into reality through this show.”