Press release from Bolesworth, edited by World of Showjumping

Over 620 horse-and-rider combinations representing 17 nations descended on the stunning Bolesworth Estate on Friday for the opening day of the Bolesworth International, presented by Al Shira’aa.

The action-packed schedule saw the world-class International Arena come alive for what promises to be a fantastic two weeks of sport — headlined on Friday by a thrilling win for Graham Babes (GBR) and Monks I Am Casall (I'm Special de Muze x Casall) in the CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix qualifier, sponsored by HM3 Legal.

In a fiercely contested class featuring 56 starters, 17 combinations delivered clears to progress to the jump-off, but it was Babes aboard the 11-year-old gelding Monks I Am Casall, who clinched victory in an impressive time of 36.40 seconds. Jessica Burke (IRL) and Good Star du Bary (Rock'N Roll Semilly x Oberon du Moulin) finished second in 36.74, followed by Olivia Sponer (GBR) and Kockie W (Luidam x Jodokus) in third in 37.52, Ali Hamad Al Kirbi (UAE) with Jarlin de Torres (Jarnac x Calvaro F.C.) in fourth in 38.54 and Michael Pender (IRL) aboard HHS Cyprus (Cornet Obolensky x Acorado) in fifth in 38.57. 

“He went well here last year, he loves the main ring at Bolesworth and I’m delighted with his performance today,” said Babes. “We’ve managed his campaign carefully to ensure he came into this week feeling confident and fresh for Sunday’s Grand Prix.” Purchased and produced by the Babes family since a foal, Monks I Am Casall now heads confidently into the Al Shira’aa CSI3* Grand Prix on Sunday as a serious contender, alongside 29 other qualified partnerships from Friday's competition.