Harthill, England – July 03, 2025 – Week 2 of the Bolesworth International, presented by Al Shira’aa, got underway in spectacular style, marking the show’s return to CSI 4* 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 Jessica Mendoza (GBR) sealing victory in the first Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 4* of the week.
The day’s feature class was the €57,200 Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 4* – 1.50m, sponsored by WR Partners. With 52 combinations lining up for a place in Saturday’s Al Shira’aa Big Tour Grand Prix CSI 4*, it was Great Britian’s Jessica Mendoza (GBR) 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 (GBR) 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!
David Simpson (IRL) and Billy Fern rounded out the top three with no penalties too, completing their jump-off performance in 37.42 seconds.
Final Results – €57,200 Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 4* – 1.50m, sponsored by WR Partners
1) Jessica Mendoza (GBR) & Ascadina PP Z – 0 / 0 – 33.87
2) Emily Ward (GBR) & Wild Star HF – 0 / 0 – 34.86
3) David Simpson (IRL) & Billy Fern – 0 / 0 – 37.42
Source: Press Release from Bolesworth International
Photo: © Bolesworth International / 1st Class Images
