Edited press release from Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show
Thursday's feature class at the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show, the Dodson & Horrell CSI3* 1.45m Grand Prix qualifier, designed by Louis Konickx (NED), offered competitors their first opportunity to secure a spot in the climax of the show, Sunday’s CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix.
Guy Williams (GBR) set the standard early with Hickstead Derby winner Rouge de Ravel (Ultimo Van Ter Moude x Quouglof Rouge) taking an early lead and proving hard to beat. That was until Great Britain’s leading lady of showjumping Holly Smith, partnered with Fruselli (Zambesi x Karandasj), produced a foot perfect first round before seamlessly pushing into another gear when entering the second phase. Naturally fast, fearless and agile, the impressive round shaved 2 seconds off the leading time to secure the win in 27.5.
“He’s just a naturally quick, careful and competitive horse. He’s just got a touch more stride than most speed horses which allows me to take a stride out but then he’s still got enough motor for the corners, a lot of big striding horses can be slow but he’s not, he’s just that perfect medium of stride and speed,” Holly Smith said on her win.
Team GBR Olympic rider Holly will be joined by the top 25 combinations for Sunday’s finale, the Dodson & Horrell CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix, including Robert Whitaker, Jack Whitaker, Jay Halim and Ireland’s Daniel Coyle and David Simpson to name a few.