World-class riders, champagne, fire breathers... there was so much to see at the inaugural Liverpool International Horse Show
Ireland’s top rider, Bill Twomey, cruised to victory of the headline competition at the inaugural Liverpool International Horse Show. The 1.6m Grand Prix, which took place on the last evening of the three day event held at the ACC Liverpool, saw Twomey guide his horse Diaghilev to win the impressive £15,000 prize pot.
The show, organised by Nina Barbour, managing director of the Bolesworth Estate and president of the hugely successful Bolesworth international, CSI**** in Cheshire, attracted more than 30,000 people to the dockside venue over the New Year weekend.
With six performances over three days, the action-packed equestrian competition included everything from fence-jumping horsemen to stunt riders and sporting stars from around the world. Entertainment included a ‘Grand National’ of Shetland ponies and a performance by The Bootleg Beatles, plus a shopping village, VIP viewing platform and champagne bar.
Liverpool-born rider and Team GB London 2012 Olympian Peter Charles, who launched the event back in June 2015, gave several impressive performances across the event. Keeping it in the family, his 15 year old son Harry also picked up an impressive third place in the U25 Grand Prix, and younger daughters Sienna and Scarlett competed in the amateur classes.
Stars of television and sport also flocked to the city to experience the breathtaking new show including racing presenter, Clare Balding, newsreader Alastair Stewart, BBC sports reporter Mike Bushell and stars of the popular soap Hollyoaks.
Bob Prattey, chief executive of The ACC Liverpool Group, said: ‘The inaugural Liverpool International Horse Show was a real coup for the city and for the venue. It provided the perfect way for families to start the New Year and to kick off the Olympic year. We look forward to welcoming the event back in 2017 as a key feature of our growing event calendar.’
Nina added: ‘We are thrilled with the reaction to the show, the stands were packed and the city of Liverpool was buzzing with excitement for the whole weekend. The event has really put Liverpool on the map in the equestrian world.’ w
