Aileen Craig claims a commanding victory in the UNIBED – High Performance Eqiune Bedding Winter Grades B&C Championship Qualifier
Tuesday 18 November 2025
 c. Jamie Agnew Photography1eeyvtlqisk28.jpg "Aileen Craig claims a commanding victory in the UNIBED – High Performance Eqiune Bedding Winter Grades B&C Championship Qualifier")
Aileen Craig claimed an impressive win in the UNIBED – High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B&C Qualifier at Morris Equestrian Centre’s Winter Classic. Piloting C&N Lockdown to the top of the leaderboard, Aileen secured one of two coveted Royal International qualifying places.
Twenty-four competitors started over the technical 1.35m track designed by John Bedford with five coming up with the correct answers to contend for one of the two Hickstead tickets on offer. With the pressure on, three riders managed to produce a second clear round, meaning the final placings would be decided purely on speed.
Second into the ring for the jump-off, Aileen set an early and commanding standard with C&N Lockdown, her own eight-year-old gelding, delivering a fluent and forward round that stopped the clock in 34.18 seconds. Despite strong attempts from those who followed, her time proved untouchable.
Following on from her victory, Aileen said: “I’m really happy with the result, he jumped okay in the first round, we did enough to get through but he went much better in the jump-off. I had an unlucky couple of days, so I’m pleased I was able to redeem myself in this class.
“He’s a home bred so it’s fantastic to be getting these results. He’s a lovely, sweet kind horse and he’s had a really good year. He jumped clear in the Grade C Final at HOYS in October and now he’s off for a much deserved break.
“It’s such a great class and having the final at Hickstead makes it so prestigious. It’s a great series to bring on these horses to the higher levels and great to see a sponsor like UNIBED supporting it.”
Jonathan Dixon and D’Avicii JL Z chased hard but ultimately settled for second, crossing the line in 34.67 seconds, while Robert Shields and Cetacco II produced another stylish double clear to take third in 35.37 seconds.
UNIBED - High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B&C Qualifier
Morris Equestrian Centre
1st – Aileen Craig & C&N Lockdown – 0/0 – 34.18
2nd – Jonathan Dixon & D’Avicii JL Z – 0/0 – 34.67
3rd – Robert Shields & Cetacco II - 0/0 – 35.37
NB Results pending final grading
Image: Jamie Agnew Photography
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