Press release from Al Shira'aa Bolesworth International, edited by World of Showjumping

The Al Shira'aa Bolesworth International 2026 got underway in spectacular fashion with Britain's Holly Smith on Nike van het Singraven (Andiamo Semilly x Haarlem) producing a thrilling victory in the opening Longines Rankings class, the CSI3* 1.50m sponsored by Grosvenor Insurance.

More than 280 riders and over 660 horses have descended on Cheshire for the opening week of competition, with horse-and-rider combinations from across the globe beginning their campaigns in pursuit of Sunday's prestigious €57,000 CSI3* Al Shira'aa Bolesworth Grand Prix.

The Grosvenor Insurance CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix Qualifier saw 46 pairs battle for one of the coveted qualifying places for Sunday's Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Grand Prix.

Eleven riders representing four nations progressed to the second round, including Olympic medallist Laura Kraut (USA) on Una Mariposa (United Touch S x Hors La Loi II), Ireland's Trevor Breen with Highland President (Clinton x Kannan) and the UAE's Humaid Abdulla Khalifa Al Muhairi aboard Mentos (Cicero Z x Verdi TN).

With just eight fences to jump against a demanding 50 second time allowed, speed and precision proved decisive. Oliver Tuff (GBR) on Sacino (Pacino x Corland) was first to set the benchmark before Graham Babes (GBR) with Monks I Am Casall (I’M Special de Muze x Casall) and Jack Whitaker (GBR) aboard Skyfall OS (Diamant de Semilly x Heartbreaker) each edged ahead with progressively faster clear rounds.

Next to challenge the leaders was Holly Smith aboard the exciting eight-year-old gelding, Nike van het Singraven. Delivering an exceptional display of bold turns and attacking lines, Smith stopped the clock in an unbeatable 36.90 seconds. "My horse is only eight years old, so to come into a 1.50m ranking class on the first day was a big ask," said Smith. "There's so much for them to look at in that arena, so I was delighted just to go clear. Once we'd made it into the second round, I thought we may as well really give it a go."

The victory continues the exciting progression of the talented young horse, who has been with team Smith for three years and has already enjoyed considerable success in the age classes.