CROWDS flocked to see the country’s top riders show they were the best in the business at the Bolesworth Castle Showjumping Classic.

After the success of the inaugural event this year’s classic did not disappoint.

An estimated 15,000 people visited the showground at Bolesworth Castle, near Tattenhall, over the three day event.

The two showjumping arenas were open from 8am to 8pm, holding 23 classes over the weekend. Almost 350 riders rode 800 horses and 1,900 rounds were jumped in all.

Leading British rider Paul Barker scooped the Aquashield Grand Prix and a prize fund of £6,000.

International show jumper Keith Shore, based in Northwich, won the H J Lea Oakes small grand prix.

Visitors were kept amused in the fine food and craft marquee where celebrity chef Brian Mellor hosted a series of cooking demonstrations.

Dog lovers were able to show off their best pooches at the exemption dog show and foodies were able to browse a variety of fresh produce in the marquee.

Visitors were also entertained by the Lancashire Rescue Bears Newfoundland Training Group, who did a demonstration in the lake.

The event raised almost £5,000 for two main causes – the Catwalk Trust, for research into spinal cord injury, and Ronald McDonald House (RMHC).

Organiser Nina Barbour said: “I am delighted the second Bolesworth Castle Show Jumping Classic lived up to all expectations and in true Bolesworth style the sun shone all weekend.

“Thanks must go to all the owners, competitors and their associates for supporting the Bolesworth Classic.

“I hope they will return year on year to help us fulfil our vision, to make the Bolesworth Castle Show Jumping Classic one of the premier fixtures on the showjumping calendar.”