North western dressage fans are in for a real treat this Bank Holiday weekend when the Somerford Park Premier League fixture opens its gates at lunchtime today (Friday) followed by three packed to the brim days of competition. Entry numbers are well up on last year as riders head to the Cheshire fixture and some of the sport’s top names are amongst the field. Reigning Olympic, World and European Champion Charlotte Dujardin has a lorry full of up and coming stars to bring and will be in action Saturday, Sunday and Monday so which ever day you choose to visit, you’ll be able to see her in action up close.
Siblings Michael and Maria Eilberg, Emma Hindle, Richard & Gillian Davison, Matt Frost, sisters Becky and Hannah Moody, and Steph Croxford are all confirmed entries too.
This year’s fixture takes on an extra dimension with the launch of the ‘Cheshire Crown’ to tie the county’s two elite dressage venues, Somerford and Bolesworth, together. The new award will be for the owner of the horse with the highest combined percentage over the two shows in the Grand Prix. What a great way to reward our owners in the sport! The CDI at the Equerry Bolesworth takes place 14 – 15 June and the presentation to the inaugural Cheshire Crown winner will take place there.
The winning owner will receive two VIP tickets for Olympia 2017 for the GP Freestyle on December 13 with accommodation at one of Kensington’s fabulous Townhouse Hotels - Number Sixteen, in South Kensington, courtesy of the Firmdale Group of Hotels.
Saturday kicks off at 8:30 am with a Fairfax Saddles PSG clasess with Inter I and Monarch Equestrian Inter II also on the programme. There are also qualifiers for the Hickstead British Young Horse Championships at five and six year old levels. Sunday stars at 8:00am with an Inter I class with the feature of the day, the LeMieux Grand Prix, underway at 1:30pm. There are also tests for Pony riders, Advanced Medium, PSG and more young horse action. Bank Holiday Monday is a full programme starting at 8.00am, with the Grand Prix Special underway at 1:45pm. Shearwater Insurance British Young Horse Classes for four, five and six year olds bring the curtain down on this year’s bumper fixture.
Dressage fans can enjoy watching top class sport in stunning surroundings at Somerford Park Premier League Dressage as well as doing a spot of retail therapy or enjoying some top nosh from the catering outlets. Ticket prices are just £5 per adult and children under 12 free or £10 per car with proceeds donated to North West Air Ambulance.
Check out the Somerfor Park Premier League video for a taste of what to expect:
Somerford Park Premier League website: click here
Entries and times: click here