New show jumping classic attracts top riders to Cheshire

By Amanda Stevenson

Event diary

29 May 2008 14:45

Some of the biggest names in British showjumping will be competing at the newest event on the equestrian calendar - The Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic.
 
The event , from Friday June 6 to Sunday June 8, has attracted a host of national and international champions, experienced Olympians and Olympic hopefuls. Father and son John and Robert Whitaker, who have both ridden for the British team, leading female rider Ellen Whitaker, former European champion Peter Charles and double Olympic competitor Geoff Billington are just some of the riders who will be  competing in the Bolesworth Classic, which boasts a £40,000 prize fund.
 
This inaugural event, combining showjumping action with a country fair, has been organised by Nina Barbour, who is also a keen eventer and runs a successful livery and eventing yard at Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall, Cheshire.
 
Nina says: “We are all delighted by the calibre of riders who are entering the Bolesworth Classic. As well as the big British names we are also looking forward to welcoming several European competitors to what promises to be three days of exciting sporting action.”
 
The feature class of the show is the Assura Group Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon. As well as a top prize of £6,000 the winner will be presented with a perpetual trophy  which has been specially commissioned by the Barbour family from sculptor Ben Panting.

For further information log onto: www.bolesworthclassic.com
 
The Country Landowners Association will also present a trophy in memory of Nina’s father, Anthony Barbour, to the Cheshire-based horse/rider combination amassing the highest points in two of the classes.
 
The three-day event, which is affiliated to the British Show Jumping Association, will benefit  two charities – the Catwalk Trust and the Imagine Appeal at Alder Hey Hospital. The Catwalk Trust is an international charity whose patrons include top UK rider Zara Phillips. It is dedicated to funding research into spinal cord injury paralysis and was established by former International Event and Showjumping rider Catriona Williams.