THE ART OF HORSEPOWER: AL SHIRA'AA BOLESWORTH INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES ITS STRONGEST EVER LINE-UP

Olympians, former World Number Ones, European medallists and prolific Grand Prix winners are all set for two weeks of world class sport at Bolesworth Castle.

The Al Shira'aa Bolesworth International has announced what is set to be its strongest ever line- up of international riders and horses, with an exceptional list of entries confirmed for the 2026 event taking place from 26 June - 5 July at the iconic Bolesworth Castle in Cheshire.

Featuring both CSI3* and CSI4* international competition, the event has attracted an outstanding field of talent from across the globe, with more than 270 riders representing 19 nations set to compete some 660 horses across two weeks of elite showjumping competition.

The continued support of the event's Honorary President, HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and long-standing partnership with Al Shira'aa has enabled Bolesworth to continue elevating its sporting offering, attracting some of the biggest names in international showjumping and further cementing its position as one of Europe's premier summer destinations for equestrian sport.

The exceptional entry list features Olympic Champions Ben Maher and Harry Charles, reigning CSI4* Al Shira'aa Bolesworth International Grand Prix Champion Laura Renwick, current FEI World Number 9, Laura Kraut of the United States of America, former Bolesworth Grand Prix winner Guy Williams, a crowd favourite, Matt Sampson, and leading Irish internationals Shane Breen, Trevor Breen, David Simpson, Michael Pender and Jessica Burke.

Also confirmed are rising British star Jack Whitaker and Mexico's Andres Azcarraga, ensuring a truly international field representing some of the strongest showjumping nations in the world.

The confirmed entries of Olympic Gold Medallist Harry Charles further underlines the calibre of competition set to descend on Cheshire this summer. Charles, who enjoyed a breakthrough international victory at Bolesworth in 2017, returns with two experienced campaigners, Sherlock and Bandit, both earmarked for the prestigious Al Shira'aa CSI4* Grand Prix.

Harry Charles said: "I'm excited to compete on home soil, which is becoming more rare these days unfortunately, but thanks to Bolesworth and Al Shira'aa, it keeps a great level of sport for the great group of riders that we have in the UK. Bolesworth was also the venue that gave me my first ever world ranking class win back in 2017. I'll be bringing Sherlock and Bandit who are two very experienced horses and will be aiming them both at the CSI4* Al Shira'aa Bolesworth Grand Prix."

Returning to defend the CSI4* Al Shira'aa Bolesworth International Grand Prix title she claimed in spectacular fashion in 2025 is one of Britain's most successful riders, Laura Renwick. Having enjoyed success across multiple classes at last year's event, Renwick will once again be among the leading contenders for top honours.

Laura Renwick said: "I'm looking forward to returning to Bolesworth after such a successful time last year - I'll be hoping for more of the same in one of the best venues there is to compete in!"

Also confirmed amongst the international field is multi-Olympian Ben Maher, whose achievements at the very highest level of the sport have established him as one of Britain's most successful showjumpers of the modern era. A former World Number One and Olympic Champion, Maher's presence further elevates the quality of competition expected across both weeks of action.

Commenting on his Bolesworth entries, Maher said:

“Bolesworth as a venue offers world class facilities, and we’re looking forward to competing there with seven horses”

Joining the British contingent is Matt Sampson, a prolific international Grand Prix winner who continues to enjoy success at top level competition across Europe and beyond. Competing in front of a familiar crowd as a face synonymous with Bolesworth, renowned for his riding and singer song writing capabilities alike, Sampson will be looking to add his name to the list of Bolesworth champions this year.

“Bolesworth is always a show I look forward to and it’s great to be heading back again this year” said Sampson. He continued “I’ve got some brilliant memories there, including the year I ended up singing “Oh Nina” to try and get myself into the show! I would never imagined it would take off the way it did and become such a talking point – it’s something people still remind me about now, which always makes me smile” he laughed. “Bolesworth has been the backdrop to some great moments for me and I’m excited to be back competing there and hopefully creating some more good memories with the horses this year”.

The 2026 line-up also welcomes back UAE rider Omar Abdul Aziz Marzooqi and Al Shira'aa Farms’ prestigious stallion Chacco Bay, a combination that achieved a top placing in last year’s CSI3* Al Shira'aa Bolesworth Grand Prix and most recently secured victory in the CSIO3* 1.55m Grand Prix of Portugal, marking them as serious contenders once again for this year’s feature classes.

Speaking on his return to the iconic moated international arena, Omar said: "I am very thankful to Sheikha Fatima for the opportunity to return to Bolesworth in the UK - an event which I enjoyed competing at last year. God willing, I am hoping to do my country proud with Chacco Bay on top form at the moment."

Bolesworth Managing Director Nina Barbour believes the strength of entries is further evidence of the event's growing international reputation.

"We are incredibly proud to welcome what is undoubtedly one of the strongest collections of riders and horses ever assembled at Bolesworth. The calibre of athletes who have chosen to compete here in 2026 is a testament not only to the sporting offering we continue to develop, but also to the reputation the event now holds on the international stage. It also affords an exciting opportunity for spectators to witness potential athletes who could well be selected to represent their countries at this year’s FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen.”

"Our continued partnership with Al Shira'aa and the unwavering vision, belief and support of our Honorary President, HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has been instrumental

in enabling us to elevate the event year after year. Together, we share a commitment to delivering world-class sport while creating an experience that appeals to both dedicated equestrian fans and wider audiences alike – bringing the Sport to the people”

"We look forward to welcoming riders, owners, sponsors and spectators from around the world to Bolesworth Castle this summer for two unforgettable weeks celebrating the art of horsepower, where elite sport, automotive excellence, luxury lifestyle and entertainment come together in a truly unique setting."

Beyond the world-class sporting action, Al Shira'aa Bolesworth International offers visitors the ultimate horsepower experience. Alongside international showjumping at the highest level, guests can enjoy incredible automotive showcases, premium equestrian and lifestyle shopping, exceptional hospitality, live entertainment and family attractions, all set against the spectacular backdrop of Bolesworth Castle.

With competition taking place across two action-packed weeks, the event promises an unforgettable celebration of sporting excellence, luxury lifestyle and entertainment, bringing together the very best of horsepower in all its forms.

General admission tickets are available now via bolesworth.com.