Double Wins for Renwick and Blackhurst as Jess Mendoza heads Grand Prix Qualifier at CSI4* Bolesworth International Presented by Al Shira'aa
Friday 04 July 2025
Week 2 of the Bolesworth International, presented by Al Shira’aa, got underway in spectacular style, marking the show’s return to CSI4* status for the first time since 2019 - a milestone made possible through an expanded partnership with HH Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Al Shira’aa Tour.
Speed was the order of the day across both arenas, with Laura Renwick and Reuben Blackhurst each notching two wins apiece in the Speed classes, before Jessica Mendoza sealed victory in the first CSI4* Grand Prix Qualifier of the week.
Renwick Claims Two Wins With Homebred Talent
The first win of the day came in the CSI4* 1.30m Speed Competition, sponsored by Rower & Rub, where Laura Renwick and her 11-year-old homebred stallion Cottee stormed to victory, finishing an impressive five seconds ahead of the rest of the field.
“It’s a great feeling,” said Renwick. “He jumped clear every day, and he got a win last week as well. He just missed out on the last day, so I thought today I would really have a crack at it and managed to win by five seconds, he felt super.”
Renwick was quick to praise the support of the show’s title sponsor:
"'Invaluable” is how I would describe the support of Al Shira’aa. It’s just what this sport needs. I’ve been to other shows in Europe that they support, and they just know what they’re doing - and it’s great to have them involved in the sport in this country.”
Her second win came in the CSIYH1* 7-year-old 1.30m, sponsored by Helgstrand Fine Jewellery, this time riding NFS Top Gun, owned by herself and John Renwick.
“I’m very lucky with my young ones at the moment - they’re all incredibly talented and a pleasure to ride. Attitude is everything in the young horses and for me, NFS Top Gun is the complete package - he has the right scope, the right attitude, and wants to help you in the ring.”
Teen Talent Blackhurst Doubles Up
Sixteen-year-old Reuben Blackhurst, based in Cheshire, made his mark with a double win in the CSIAm-A Speed Competitions.
His first came in the 1.05m, sponsored by Voltaire Design, riding Soulful, a 10-year-old gelding.
“He did really well,” said Blackhurst. “I’ve only had him since December, and I’ve really got to know him over the last few months going out to some Internationals with him, so a win here today was great.”
He followed that with a second victory in the 1.15m, sponsored by Peel Port Logistics, this time on Guinot Di Nocciola, affectionately known as Nico.
“He’s really brave, really fast, he is probably my favourite horse. I got him quite recently and we’re really growing our partnership.”
Originally from Manchester, Blackhurst recently moved to Nantwich to train with Lee Williams, who he describes as a major influence.
“Lee is like a brother to me. I really look up to him in the sport.”
Having already achieved success on ponies - including wins at HOYS - this season marks Blackhurst’s first on horses, and following today’s performances, a bright future lays ahead.
Mendoza Tops Grand Prix Qualifier
The day’s feature class was the CSI4* 1.50m Jump-Off Grand Prix Qualifier, sponsored by WR Partners. With 52 combinations lining up for a place in Saturday’s CSI4* Al Shira’aa Big Tour Grand Prix, it was Great Britian’s Jessica Mendoza who topped the class aboard Ascadina PP Z.
Twelve riders progressed to the jump-off, with five jumping double clear. Mendoza claimed victory with a high speed round, completing in 33.87 seconds.
“It’s my first show in England for quite some time,” said Mendoza. “I’m very happy to be here. The class was big but the mare jumped really, really well, and I knew it would be a fast jump-off. The mare’s quick, so I just had a good go at it!”
Course designer Rafael Suarez made full use of the arena in the jump-off, with Mendoza’s fast-footed mare benefiting from her naturally long stride and tight turns to shave off vital seconds.
Ascadina PP Z, a 9-year-old mare, was bought by Mendoza at the start of this year, from Max Routledge and Sue Evans.
“She’s showing a lot of scope and promise for the future. She’s a ‘puppy’ in the stable - very sweet and easy - and she’ll have a quiet day tomorrow, just hacking and hand grazing, before we take on Saturday’s Al Shira’aa Grand Prix.”
Great Britian’s Emily Ward took second place riding the talented 9 year old stallion, Wild Star HF.
Talking about the talented stallion, Ward said “he was fantastic in the jump off, really intelligent, answered all the questions I asked of him, he’s got such a big rangey stride, being so careful you can really dare him to the jumps”
Ward continued that it is also really exciting to have his half sister in tomorrow evening’s Elite Auction, being lot 24, Wild One HF, out of the same mother as Wild Star, with both offspring sharing so many qualities – being brave, intelligent, careful and loving going against the clock – an exciting prospect for a serious buyer!
Emiratis Excel in CSIYH1* 6 Year Olds
The national anthem of the United Arab Emirates rang out across the Castle Arena today as Abdullah Mohd Al Mari, with Al Shira’aa Stables’ Valda de Hus Z, took the 1.20m two phase 6 year old class, producing a foot perfect double clear, with fellow Emirati, Mabkhout Owaida Alkirbi and Oleta taking second spot.
“I am so thankful for the chance to ride at a show like this with a good horse like I have from Al Shira’aa Stables” said Abdullah. ‘Valda’ is also the half sister to Olympic showjumper ‘All In’, who was ridden to Olympic team gold and individual silver by Swedish rider Peder Fredricson at both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
Excited by the breeding and talent of the mare, Abdullah is setting his sights on competing through the ranks with Valda and is excited by her as a future top prospect, with his competitive nature now focussed on the 6 year old final this Sunday.
The full results from today’s action can be found by visiting online.equipe.com.
Images: 1st Class Images / Bolesworth International
.JPG "Laura Renwick took her first major step ‘Back to the top’ with a spectacular win in the Al Shira’aa Grand Prix at Bolesworth International")
.JPG "Condon clinches the Al Shira’aa 3* Grand Prix victory in a thrilling jump-off at Bolesworth International")
