Holly Smith Takes UNIBED Winter Grades B&C Qualifier at Aintree
Friday 09 October 2026
The UNIBED – High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B&C Qualifier headed to Aintree at the weekend, where riders battled it out for their place in the prestigious final at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead in July.
A total of 54 rider combinations came forward to contest Nigel Jess’ course, with 12 combinations producing clear rounds to secure their place in the jump-off.
It was Holly Smith who ultimately took the top spot, riding Tracey Fletcher’s Orovito. The pair delivered another impressive clear round, stopping the clock in 26.85 seconds to take victory and secure their place in the final.
Ella Dalton put in a strong performance with Ultimo N Z to take second place. The combination also jumped clear, crossing the finish line in 27.90 seconds.
Rounding out the top three was Gemma Ellison with Gold Surviour. Another faultless performance saw them stop the clock in 29.15 seconds to claim third place.
With the Aintree qualifier now complete, attention turns to the UNIBED – High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B&C Final, where the qualified combinations will head to Hickstead in July to compete on one of the most iconic stages in the sport.
UNIBED - High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B&C Qualifier
Aintree International Equestrian Centre, Thursday, 1 October 2026
1 – Holly Smith & Orovito – 0/0 26.85
2 – Ella Dalton & Ultimo N Z – 0/0 27.90
3 – Gemma Ellison & Gold Surviour – 0/0 29.15
NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results
Image: Majestic Photography
