Trevor Breen Produces Perfect Finish to Claim Al Shira'aa CSI3* Grand Prix Glory at Bolesworth
Forty one combinations representing six nations came forward for the feature class of the week, producing a world-class line up packed with Olympic athletes, championship medallists and proven Grand Prix winners.
Among those bidding for the prestigious title were Olympians Laura Kraut and Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi, 21-time championship medallist John Whitaker, former World Cup Grand Prix winner Joe Whitaker, Al Shira'aa Bolesworth CSI3* Grand Prix champion Shane Breen, leading Irish international Billy Twomey and a host of established Nations Cup performers, underlining the ever growing stature of the Al Shira'aa Bolesworth International.
Designed by Ireland's Colm Quinn, the challenging 1.55m track asked every question of horse and rider, with the influential Al Shira'aa triple combination and demanding five stride distance to the final line proving the undoing of many fancied combinations throughout the opening round.
Joe Whitaker and the ever reliable Hulahupe JR became the first combination to solve the course, producing the opening clear to guarantee themselves the coveted position of first to return for the jump-off.
The second clear arrived courtesy of Jodie Hall McAteer and Sunday, who ended a run of penalty filled rounds with a beautifully judged performance inside the time allowed before USA's Olympic medallist Laura Kraut became another victim of the demanding final line.
Sterling Malnik and Idalgo produced another polished clear for the United States before Ireland's Billy Twomey expertly guided Ace of Hearts Z into the jump off, fresh from the combination's recent international Grand Prix success in Poland.
Former Al Shira'aa Bolesworth Grand Prix winner Shane Breen ensured his chance to reclaim his previous title at the venue was kept alive aboard Scarteen, while Oliver Tuff continued his impressive progression with Sacino producing an impressive clear round. Graham Babes and Monks I Am Casall also booked their place into round two, before UAE Olympian Omar Abdul
Aziz Al Marzooqi and Al Shira'aa Farms' Cjoxx Z added further international flavour to the deciding round.
The final clear belonged to Ireland's Trevor Breen aboard Highland President, taking the total to nine combinations progressing to an eagerly anticipated jump off.
Joe Whitaker immediately laid down an aggressive benchmark as first to return, but four faults opened the door for those that followed. Jodie Hall McAteer, Sterling Malnik, Billy Twomey, Oliver Tuff, Graham Babes and Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi each also finished on four faults.
Shane Breen looked poised to take the win after delivering the only clear jump off round so far in 39.12 seconds, but last to go, older brother Trevor Breen had other ideas.
Riding the experienced Highland President, a horse renowned for his Nations Cup performances rather than Grand Prix victories, Breen produced one final masterclass to stop the clock in a remarkable 38.86 seconds and secure this year’s win.
"This was actually Highland President's first international Grand Prix" explained Breen.
"He's jumped so many clears for Ireland in Nations Cups that nobody was probably trembling in their boots because I was last to go today. Joe was very quick but had one down, so everyone was chasing the time. Today it just worked out to my advantage."
The victory was made even more special by the family connection behind Highland President, who is campaigned with the support of Trevor's wife Caroline and her family, making the success a true team effort.
Reflecting on the win, Breen added:
"I'd like to thank Nina and the whole Bolesworth team, and of course Al Shira'aa for their incredible support. The prize money over these two weeks is fantastic and it's a real pleasure to compete at a show like this in such an incredible venue here in the UK. I'm really proud to have won this Grand Prix."
Bolesworth Managing Director Nina Barbour praised both the quality of competition and the continued partnership which has elevated the event to new heights.
“What a fantastic Grand Prix and huge congratulations to Trevor on a brilliant victory. This is now the eighteenth international Grand Prix we’ve hosted at Bolesworth and, once again, the standard of competition has been exceptional.”
“One of the things that makes our partnership with Al Shira’aa so special is that it creates a genuine pathway for top-level international sport. It’s no coincidence that today’s top three riders are all regular competitors on the Al Shira’aa Tour in Abu Dhabi, demonstrating the strength and quality of the circuit and the opportunities it provides for riders to compete at World Class level.
“We share the same commitment to putting horse welfare at the heart of everything we do. That shared philosophy, alongside a passion for sporting excellence, is what makes this partnership such a natural fit.
“None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of Al Shira’aa. Their continued investment is helping develop equestrian excellence internationally while supporting the long term growth of this event year after year. On behalf of everyone at Bolesworth, I’d like to extend
our sincere thanks to the entire Al Shira’aa team for their continued belief, vision and partnership.”
The sporting action continues on Monday with another full programme of competition, including the age class finals, Amateur and Under 25 championships, alongside the final CSI3* 1.45m Longines Ranking class before attention turns to an eagerly anticipated second week of CSI4* international competition.
Anthony Condon Claims Exciting Six Year Old Championship
Ireland's Anthony Condon crowned a memorable week by claiming the Natural Flake Wood Shavings CSIYH1* Six Year Old Final aboard the exciting SFS Dodged'Em after a thrilling jump off.
Following an excellent week of competition, 22 combinations produced first-round clears to earn their place in the deciding jump-off, where margins proved incredibly tight.
Condon stopped the clock in 39.18 seconds, just 0.04 seconds ahead of Jake Myers and Pascia Is My Name, while local combination Keith Shore and Elaine Williams' home-bred Riaux d'Emeraud completed the podium only 0.41 seconds behind the winner after another excellent week which had already yielded two class victories.
SFS Dodged'Em has already enjoyed an interesting journey. Bred by Lisa Hales, the talented gelding was originally entered into the Brilliance Auction before Lisa's mother, Pat Hales, stepped in to purchase the horse herself, as a favourite of Pat’s who wanted him back home in the yard!
By Escape Z and out of the same dam as the 1.60m performer SFS Vincomte, the six year-old continues to demonstrate all the attributes of a top future international horse.
"He's a lovely horse and a really easy-going character," said Condon. "I got the ride last year, which was his first year jumping, and Al Shira'aa Hickstead was actually his first show at this time last year. He's improved every time he's gone out and he's showing all the potential to become a very competitive top horse."
Discussing his jump off strategy, Condon added:
"I watched Jake go because he was based with us previously, and I thought if I could do something very similar but just be a little tighter to the vertical across the middle, hopefully I could find the half second I needed while still giving the horse a confident round."
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