Showjumping fun on the way

Mar 20 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

THE organisers of a new showjumping event in Cheshire say they are aiming to make it one of the biggest on the British equestrian calendar.

Set in the grounds of the magnificent Bolesworth Castle, near Tattenhall, the £40,000 prize fund is expected to attract the stars of British showjumping.

Under the direction of Nina Barbour, who has lived at Bolesworth all her life, it is hoped the inaugural event will also attract thousands of spectators.

Miss Barbour said they had “identified a need for a showjumping event of a certain calibre to be run in the North West”.

She said: “We’re aiming to be one of the biggest events on the national calendar, and the prize fund will help.

“We’re also hoping to attract some of the 2012 Olympics hopefuls.”

The Bolesworth Estate, Tattenhall, has been run by the Barbour family for more than 150 years and, as well as being a modern dairy farming estate which sells its branded milk to Sainsbury's for sale in its Cheshire stores, it also has a thriving commercial and residential sector.

The estate is home to international businesses, local companies and the well-known ice cream farm and candle factory.

The castle was built by Liverpool businessman George Walmesley in the early 1820s on the site of an existing building, and updated a century later by Clough Williams-Ellis, the architect who built Portmeirion in north Wales.

The Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic will take place in two arenas in the castle’s beautifully manicured grounds.

The highlight of the weekend will be the Assura Group Grand Prix on Sunday, June 8, with £18,000 prize.

In addition, the winner will be presented with a trophy by sculptor Ben Panting, specially commissioned by the Barbour Family to mark the inaugural year of the Bolesworth Show Jumping Classic.

Diana Barbour, managing director, Bolesworth Estate, added: “We aim to make this a real family occasion which offers something for everyone.”

The event is affiliated to the BSJA (British Show Jumping Association) and supports The Catwalk Trust, a charity committed to finding a cure for spinal cord injury.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy a country fair, see the trade stands, including a country produce marquee, have a go at archery or dog agility, and go on the funfair.

Full details of the event – which will also provide the ideal opportunity for corporate and private entertainment in a VIP marquee overlooking the main arena –Šcan be found on its new website: www.bolesworthclassic.com

liammurphy@dailypost.co.uk