Edwards Sets the Pace as Anticipation Builds for Sunday's Al Shira'aa Bolesworth Grand Prix
Sunday 28 June 2026
The second day of the Al Shira'aa Bolesworth International delivered another showcase of world class sport, with victories across the young horse, amateur and international ranks as riders continued their quest to qualify for Sunday's prestigious CSI3* Al Shira'aa Bolesworth Grand Prix and series finals.
Homebred talent shines in CSIYH1* Five Year Old Class
The CSIYH1* Five Year Old 1.10m class, sponsored by Charles Owen, attracted 37 combinations, with 13 producing faultless rounds. It was local rider Louie Cunningham who produced the fastest round aboard Linda Lind's exciting stallion Monkey Business, stopping the clock in an impressive 68.71 seconds – more than 10 seconds quicker than the next fastest clear showing that they have the gears when needed for future classes against the clock.
"It was a fantastic round," said Cunningham. "Monkey Business is still quite green, having only done a handful of shows in Belgium, but he has really stepped up lately and his rideability has been super."
Having produced the stallion since he was three years old, Cunningham believes the future is bright.
"He takes a lot from his sire, Comme Il Faut. He's naturally quick across the ground with a very active canter, so we're really excited about what lies ahead."
Amateur riders seize their moment
Creating opportunities for riders at every level remains central to the Al Shira'aa Tour, and the Amateur Series once again demonstrated the depth of talent on display at Bolesworth.
Thirty five combinations came forward for the CSIAM-A 1.05m class, sponsored by CG Professional, with local rider Tessa Dollar claiming victory aboard her experienced 14-year-old gelding Contarno.
"I was told by the wonderful Danielle Ryder, who keeps me on the straight and narrow, that however fast you think you're going, you're not going fast enough!" laughed Dollar. "So we put the accelerator down today—and thankfully we kept all the fences up!"
Competing alongside many of the world's leading riders made the victory even more special.
"When you're competing at a venue like this, with top riders here, you naturally raise your game," she said. "I'm watching and absorbing so much showjumping as well as competing. It's wonderful to spend a few days away from work, enjoy time with my horse and really savour moments like this."
Edwards dominates Grand Prix qualifier
Attention then turned to the second qualifying opportunity for Sunday's feature class, the CSI3* 1.45m Longines Ranking Class sponsored by J Safra Sarasin.
Fifty seven combinations representing seven nations came forward, with Jack Whitaker and William Whitaker among the first to produce clear rounds. In total, 11 combinations produced clear rounds.
However, none could match the pace of Mark Edwards aboard the exciting nine year old homebred Tinkers Touch. Their flawless round in 58.59 seconds proved untouchable, finishing more than six seconds ahead of Olympic champion Laura Kraut and Carquilara PS, while Mark Bunting completed the podium aboard Kiaminka in third spot.
"He was great," said Edwards. "He kept a really good rhythm from the start. I was able to keep everything nice and tight and quick, everything just flowed, and he gave me a fantastic round. I'm delighted with the win."
Edwards believes the gelding has an exciting future ahead but revealed that he will save Tinkers Touch for Monday's CSI3* 1.45m Jump-Off Ranking Class, instead partnering Dillinger NE in Sunday's Al Shira'aa Bolesworth Grand Prix.
Following the pair's impressive victory in the Al Shira'aa Hickstead Speed Derby earlier this season, the Welsh combination will undoubtedly be among those to watch in what promises to be a stellar Grand Prix field.
All eyes on Sunday's Grand Prix
With anticipation building for Sunday's CSI3* Al Shira'aa Bolesworth 1.55m Grand Prix, course designer Colm Quinn has hinted at the challenge awaiting riders.
Quinn believes success will require the perfect balance of speed, carefulness and scope , with a course designed to test these and not favour any one particular type of horse.
Asked where riders could win or lose the competition, Quinn remained characteristically tight lipped, offering only one piece of advice:
"Go clear and fast in round one!"
As one of the highlights of the British showjumping calendar, Sunday's CSI3* Grand Prix is set to provide a thrilling conclusion to week 1 of the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth International.
Who will lift the prestigious Al Shira'aa Gold Trophy and be crowned the 2026 CSI3* Al Shira'aa Bolesworth Grand Prix champion?
Join us on Sunday by securing your tickets online via www.bolesworth.com, or watch live and on demand via ClipMyHorse.TV.
Image: 1st Class Images / Bolesworth International
.jpg "Great Britain’s Team Audevard finish in seventh place with unlucky four fault rounds at the CSIO3* Longines EEF Series Nations Cup of Budapest")
