The final May bank holiday weekend can only mean one thing – Somerford Premier League (22 – 24 May 2015). With classes from medium to grand prix, the annual Cheshire-based competition has become a favourite with spectators, attracting riders and visitors from across the country, thirsty for first-rate dressage action.
Taken over by a new team, headed by FEI 4* judge Jo Graham and Susie Farnon, the show is set to be bigger and better than ever. The action kicks off today (21 May), with every type of superstar, from Charlotte Dujardin, Zoe Sleigh and Kirsty Mepham introducing up-and-coming talent in the Knowsley Events National British Young Horse classes, to Louise Bell, Becky Moody, Matt Frost and Dan Watson battling it out in the Boodles PSG.
Carl Hester introduces new ride, Coral Ingham’s Wanadoo, on Saturday in the Boodles grand prix; he faces stiff competition, however, from the likes of Michael Eilberg, Henriette Anderson, Hannah Moody, Paul Friday and Olivia Oakeley. Somerford Park will also pump up the volume for the crowd-favourite Vartan & Ravenscroft PSG freestyle where Becky Moody and Carinsio (pictured) will be looking to continue their unbeaten run. The organisers are also offering the winner of the freestyle the ‘Boodles Bonus’ where they can claim an additional £200 in prize money if they had scored 68% or above in the previous day’s PSG. The Boodles Bonus also applies to those in Sunday’s Boodles grand prix special, with the winner claiming an additional £200 if they achieved 67% or above in Saturday’s grand prix.
After winning the inter I freestyle at Barcelona’s CDI3* with a whopping 79.17% in March, Michael Eilberg and Woodlander Farouche will be looking for the big marks in their first ever straight inter I, sponsored by Equestrian Surfaces. Concluding the weekend’s competition, Michael and Farouche are up against strong combinations such as girlfriend Maya Goldberg riding Torino, Maria Griffin with DJ, Becky Edwards on Ufano I plus Superflex Inter I Freestyle champions, Becky Moody and Carinsio.
In addition to the jam-packed dressage programme, over the weekend there will be entertainment for all ages including a kids area – featuring bouncy castle, bungee trampoline and cup & saucer ride. A magician will also be on hand with a jaw-dropping magic show, suitable for all, in the VIP marquee and pavilion.
Or, you can watch the dressage in the new Boodles marquee, with a fantastic view of the main arena – plus lunch, coffee and afternoon tea and cake!
For more information on the event, click here.