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

The second day of the Al Shira'aa Bolesworth International delivered another showcase of world class sport, with victories across the young horse, amateur and international ranks as riders continued their quest to qualify for Sunday's prestigious CSI3* Al Shira'aa Bolesworth Grand Prix and series finals.

The second qualifying opportunity for Sunday's feature class was the CSI3* 1.45m Longines Ranking class sponsored by J Safra Sarasin. A total of 54 horse-and-rider combinations representing seven nations came forward, with 11 pairs producing clear rounds.

In the jump-off, none could match the pace of Mark Edwards (GBR) aboard the exciting nine-year-old homebred Tinkers Touch (Tornesch 1042 x Tinka’s Boy). Their flawless round in 58.59 seconds proved untouchable, finishing more than six seconds ahead of Olympic champion Laura Kraut (USA) and Carquilara PS (Caligula x Quilot), while Mark Bunting (GBR) completed the podium aboard Kiaminka (Floris x Hors La Loi II) in third spot.

"He was great," said Edwards. "He kept a really good rhythm from the start. I was able to keep everything nice and tight and quick, everything just flowed, and he gave me a fantastic round. I'm delighted with the win."

Edwards believes the gelding has an exciting future ahead but revealed that he will save Tinkers Touch for Monday's CSI3* 1.45m jump-off ranking class, instead partnering Dillinger NE in Sunday's Al Shira'aa Bolesworth Grand Prix. Following the pair's impressive victory in the Al Shira'aa Hickstead Speed Derby earlier this season, the Welsh combination will undoubtedly be among those to watch in what promises to be a stellar Grand Prix field.