Condon Clinches Al Shira’aa CSI3* Grand Prix Title in Thrilling Head-to-Head
Ireland’s Anthony Condon delivered a decisive performance aboard Oviedo S to take victory in the hotly contested Al Shira’aa CSI3* Grand Prix at Bolesworth on Sunday afternoon.
Photo Credit: 1st Class Images / Bolesworth International.
Fifty combinations had qualified earlier in the week for the 1.55m Grand Prix, designed by Javier Trenor and featuring 16 formidable jumping efforts in the opening round. It wasn’t until the 17th rider in the ring, Ireland’s Sven Hadley with Phenomene Bleu VDM, that the first clear round was posted. He was swiftly followed by Great Britain’s Paul Sims riding Jankorado GB, and Anthony Condon aboard Oviedo S. The final clear came from Jodie Hall McAteer with La Gupardie, producing a swift and accurate round as 46th to go.
With four through to the jump-off, it was set to be an Ireland vs. Great Britain showdown. Both Paul Sims and Anthony Condon had the added benefit of the home crowd behind them, each living within 10 miles of the venue.
The jump-off was a nail-biter, with each rider pushing for clears and speed. Ultimately, a rail fell for all but Condon, whose fast and flawless round secured the title and top honours for owners Pat and Lisa Hales.
Speaking after the class, Condon said: "I'm on top of the world – Oviedo S was unbelievable today. This is his first ever Grand Prix win, and it makes all the patience and time we’ve taken to produce him feel worth it. He’s always jumped clear at this level but lacked the speed – until now. I’m so grateful to my owners, my wife Laura and our kids – it’s a real team effort."
Second-placed Jodie Hall McAteer was full of praise for her mare: "It was a big ask for La Gupardie today – her first ever 3* Grand Prix – but she jumped amazing. It’s always a bit disappointing not to win, but I’m so excited about our future together."
Local rider Paul Sims, who finished third, added: "It was a fantastic class to be part of. I had my first world ranking class win at Bolesworth, which was really special, and this horse – Jankorado GB – is my next best one coming through. He’s got a bright future."
Show Director Nina Barbour congratulated the top-placed riders and praised the exceptional level of sport on display: "We’re so delighted to see two local riders on the podium, and to see how much the win meant to Anthony and his team. Our sincere thanks go to Al Shira’aa and to HH Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their continued partnership and investment in the sport, both here in the UK and internationally."
Condon was the first Irish rider to claim a win in the CSI4* Grand Prix title back in 2017. With the Al Shira’aa CSI4* Grand Prix returning to Bolesworth next weekend for the first time since 2019, all eyes will be on whether 2025 will be his year and if he could achieve the double!
The action continues on Monday 30 June with a packed schedule including a Longines Ranking class, week 1 finals for the 7-year-olds, U25 and Amateur series – and free public entry on-site for this date only.
For further information and to book tickets for week two, visit www.bolesworth.com
