News
Success, celebration and a fond farewell at Aintree High Profile
- Written By: British Dressage | Maddie Hinchliff
- Published: Wed, 21 Oct 2026 16:00
The Aintree Hird & Partners High Profile Show (14 – 18 October) delivered five days of fantastic competition, with Michael Eilberg leading the way on six victories. Matt Frost and Helga brought their partnership to an emotional conclusion, while Helen Hopewell enjoyed a hat-trick of Elementary Silver wins and Violet Hawkins claimed two victories across the Junior classes.
Michael Eilberg has had a tremendous amount of success this season at both international and national competitions and has rounded off this fantastic year to take the win in six classes, topping his five-win streak from 2025 and 2024. “It was one of those shows that was just incredible really, every horse really pulled out the stocks for me”, Michael told us. Starting on Thursday, he started the week by winning the Magic NAF Prix St Georges aboard Geri and Ferdi Eilberg’s homebred mare, EDH Franklin Rose (Franklin x Dimaggio). The combination impressed judges Claire Ballantyne, Sandra Edwards and Fiona Lace to score 69.56%, topping the scoreboards ahead of Tara Hayes who finished in second and third with her horses Imperioso WW and Sandora BS. The nine-year-old mare then went on to compete in Friday’s Magic NAF Prix St Georges, once again claiming top spot on 68.77%. They then finished off their run on Sunday in the Prix St Georges Freestyle to Music competition, where the mare claimed her final win of the competition in front of judges Andrea Smith, Leanne Wall and Richard Baldwin on 71.17%. “I had two horses there that were new-ish to the levels – I had the EDH Franklin Rose has just started her Prix St Georges career, and so for her to have those results and to win all three days was very exciting. She really is looking amazing, I mean the potential with her, I think, is top class. She's got so many high marks in her and in all three gates, plus she's beautiful to look at and then her temperament is outstanding as well – she’s just great.”
In the Stubben Intermediate II, Michael took a commanding win aboard his own and Nicky Hannam’s MSJ Dante VX (Dante Weltino x Quattro B). Michael has had a very exciting season aboard the 13-year-old gelding, dominating the Premier League classes in the Intermediate A, B and II classes, as well as winning the two Grand Prix classes at the Wellington Premier League in June. At the National Championships, this pair were awarded the Intermediate II title, a class that has previously eluded Michael. At Aintree, however, Michael built on his Championship score of 72.56% to take this victory on 73.48%, a near four percent lead ahead of second place. On Saturday, this pair went on to compete in the evening gala, winning the Grand Prix Freestyle to Music with a two percent lead of 73.79%. They then rounded off their success in the straight Grand Prix class, where they achieved another powerful lead score of 71.62%. “He managed to win things here [at Aintree] in 2024, and then we couldn't get there last year, so to bring him back this year with his form and the way he went was just – I’m just over the moon. He's like a bit of a heart horse for me and he just got better and better. I was incredibly impressed with how he was able to go back in there after the gala evening in the freestyle – there’s always a massive atmosphere there at Aintree and he was a bit nervous but he went back in there the following day for the Grand Prix and bashed out probably one of his best Grand Prix’s to date.” Upon sitting down and reflecting on his test with his father, Ferdi, Michael told us that “I actually thought he had more marks in there still. It’s really cool, and some of the stuff that we've been working on, and the detail is really starting to come and shine through now. He’s growing in confidence every time, and it just feels physically really like he's just an athlete now. He feels like he can do so much with his body – he can sit, he can push, he can extend, he can collect, he can lift, he can drop; it just it's so nice when you get a horse to that stage. When you get to that stage in their training where they just feel like the you can give them a proper ‘gym workout’ with the lightest of commands – it’s really a lot of hard work getting into this level but it's so rewarding when it all comes off.”
Additionally, Michael also campaigned Geri Eilberg’s EDH Saubermond (Sezuan x Dancier), with whom he finished fifth and second in the Stubben Intermediate II and Intermediate I Freestyle competition. EDH Saubermond has also been making his mark on the Premier League circuit this season, securing a victory at the Addington Premier League earlier on in the season, and finishing fifth in the Future Elite Dressage Championship show, which was held at the Horse of the Year Show a couple of weeks ago. “He hasn't done many Inter II’s”, Michael told us, “He also did a new freestyle in the Inter I, which he hasn't done before. He really is a special one for me – he’s got a lot of talent for the Grand Prix, which I think he showed that in the Inter II. I’m really excited for his future in the in the high levels. He's been one of those horses that I've always believed in – he’s not been your obvious mover, but a horse that's always given me a really good feeling. He’s very sensitive, goey, and light to ride, so I always felt that if I could get into Grand Prix he'd be a good Grand Prix horse and be a very nice to horse to ride round the test because of that lightness and sensitivity. He's just got better and better with his technique as he's learned things, so yeah, I’m just extremely happy with him.”
Michael’s successful week at Aintree won’t be the last chance for dressage fans to hear from him this year. As one of our hosts for the upcoming BD Presents: Harmonious Progression, Michael will be swapping the competition arena for a different role, giving the audiences another opportunity to see and hear from one of British dressage’s most successful riders of the season. Join us at the Hartpury Arena on 21 November to hear from Michael, as well as Gareth Hughes, Isobel Wessels and Brad Hill by following the button below:
Sunday’s gala evening also served as an emotional final performance from Matt Frost with his own and Nicola Keenan’s Helga (Chagall x Hit II). Matt and Helga have had an impressive career together since he took over the reins from Jessica Dunn eight years ago. With a record spanning from Medium through to Grand Prix, Matt and Helga have collected countless High Profile, Premier League and Regional titles, as well as appearances at the National championships at every level from Medium through to Grand Prix level, where they have achieved multiple top-three placings. The pair made their final international appearance at the Hickstead CDI in May, where they achieved sixth place in the Grand Prix Freestyle to Music. In their final dance in the white boards together, the pair finished fourth in the Grand Prix Freestyle to Music, where they scored 71.04%, leaving them just 0.04% away from the podium. On behalf of everyone at BD, we would like to congratulate Nicola, Matt and the entire team for Helga’s fantastic career; and we would like to wish Helga and long and well-deserved retirement.
In the silver section, Helen Hopewell dominated the Equi-Trek Elementary classes with her own Ototo ASD (Furst Toto x Desperado). This Wrexham-based combination also competed at the LeMieux National Championships in the BETTALIFE Novice Silver and HorseQuest Elementary Silver classes, where they finished second and sixth. However, this week Helen achieved a hattrick result aboard the seven-year-old gelding in Wednesday’s Equi-Trek Elementary 4 and 5, as well as Friday’s Elementary 5. The pair scored 70.33%, 70.16% and finished off the competition with a huge 74.53% in front of judge Alli Davies-Bell. She also finished second in Friday’s Equi-Trek Elementary 4, aboard 69.83%. Joanna Loftus took the win in the Friday’s Elementary 4 on 70.50% with her own Opus-D.
In the Youth classes, Violet Hawins enjoyed a double-win, taking the top spot aboard Alex Hawkins and Debbie Gonzalez’s Micquina TF (Trafalgar x Voice) and Alex Hawkins’ Ottawa De Massa (James Bond de Massa x Furst Romancier). In the Junior Team competition, Violet won in front of judges Leanne Wall, Sandra Edwards and Fiona Lace on Micquina TF on 68.03%. She also finished fourth with Ottowa De Massa on 64.90%, however the pair grew in confidence to take the win in Sunday’s Junior Individual competition on 68.74%. However, Micquina TF stayed incredibly consistent to score 67.93% and finish just behind in second place for the Individual.
Congratulations to all class winners and those who took part across the week. Thanks go to the team at Aintree International Equestrian Centre for hosting a super BD High Profile Show with top quality facilities and organisation, as well as extending thanks to those who supported the show through generous sponsorship.
Results – top three
Wednesday 14 October
Equi-Trek Elementary 4 Silver
1. Helen Hopewell and Ototo, 70.33%
2. James Wolfenden and Lottie XV, 68.33%
3. Dorothy Hames and Fosshey For Fun, 66.67%
Equi-Trek Elementary 4 Gold
1. Amber Flynn and Fortuna BG, 69.00%
2. Kirstie Clarke and Viviana, 64.33%
Equi-Trek Elementary 5 Silver
1. Helen Hopewell and Ototo, 70.16%
2. James Woldenden and Lottie XV, 67.66%
3. Sophie Reid Entwistle and Brouwershavens Panamera, 67.19%
Equi-Trek Elementary 5 Gold
1. Anna Brown and Ghabar Gold, 71.41%
2. Emily Sutherland and Woodcroft Obsession, 70.16%
3. Amber Flynn and Foruna BG, 69.84%
HorseLight Medium 4 Silver
=1. Alison Calvert and Woodlander Frampton, 67.97%
=1. Nick Bigland and Santorini III, 67.97%
3. Harriet Horsfall and Linck GE, 67.81%
HorseLight Medium 4 Gold
1. Anders Dahl and Aatoftens Fabrizio DWB, 69.69%
2. Helen Dutton and Forest Fairy Caledonia, 67.81%
3. Chloe Vell and Mia Cara v/d Debbehoeve, 67.50%
HorseLight Medium 5 Silver
1. Alison Calvert and Woodlander Frampton, 70.50%
2. Emma Jones and Muireall Turfhorst, 68.67%
3. Harriet Horsfall and Linck GE, 68.67%
HorseLight Medium 5 Gold
1. Helen Dutton and Forest Fairy Caledonia, 67.67%
2. Morgan Haerr and Wolkendon, 67.50%
3. Anna Brown and Ghabar Gold, 67.00%
Black Country Saddles Advanced Medium 4 Silver
1. Emma Brookes and Jambo VZ, 66.89%
2. Bethany Edginton and Nelson HD, 65.92%
3. Karen Dewar and Kianca, 65.88%
Black Country Saddles Advanced Medium 4 Gold
1. Mat Burnett and Za Za Zoom, 69.39%
2. Sarah Kingwells and Odi, 67.11%
Black Country Saddles Advanced Medium 5 Silver
1. John Norcross and Impulz W, 69.34%
2. Emma Brookes and Jambo VZ, 68.51%
3. Bethany Edgington and Nelson HD, 66.75%
Black Country Saddles Advanced Medium 5 Gold
1. Anders Dahl and Dinnesholms Fighter, 72.37%
2. Jessica Dunn and Funtime Frankie, 70.48%
3. Sarah Kingwells and Odi, 66.67%
Thursday 15 October
HorseLight Medium 4 Silver
1. Freya Ainscough and Showstar, 69.38%
2. Emily Sutherland and Woodcroft Obsession, 64.38%
3. Bracken Parkhouse and Bathleyhills Colour Farfaite, 58.44%
HorseLight Medium 4 Gold
1. Anders Dahl and Aatoftens Fabrizio DWB, 72.81%
2. Katie Warner and Active Nuvolari, 68.44%
3. Anna Brown and Ghabar Gold, 67.97%
Black Country Saddles Advanced Medium 4 Silver
1. Mollie Whitham and Next Level, 66.45%
2. Abigail Gray and MSJ Vienna, 65.96%
3. Karen Dewar and Kianca, 65.88%
Black Country Saddles Advanced Medium 4 Gold
1. Jessica Dunn and Funtime Frankie, 71.18%
2. Mat Burnett and Za Za Zoom, 69.25%
3. Natalie Widdowson and Nelson Van De Gathe, 61.80%
Magic NAF Prix St Georges Silver
1. Alex Ingoe Connolly and Seagry DonnaDiva, 67.16%
2. Katie Alexandra Scott and Liverpool KS, 66.62%
3. Darcas Lever and Legacy DZL, 66.23%
Magic NAF Prix St Georges Gold
1. Michael Eilberg and EDH Franklin Rose, 69.56%
2. Tara Hayes and Imperioso WW, 69.17%
3. Tara Hayes and Sandora BS, 68.73%
NAF Superflex Intermediate I Silver
1. Darcas Lever and Legacy DZL, 65.83%
2. Carrie Dyrom and Indigo X, 65.00%
3. Alex Ingoe Connolly and Seagry DonnaDiva, 64.75%
NAF Superflex Intermediate I Gold
1. Charlotte Smithwhite and Luciano, 68.04%
2. Anders Dahl and Ellely’s Focus, 67.84%
3. Sue Carson and Lumiere KH, 67.79%
Friday 16 October
Equi-Trek Elementary 4 Silver
1. Joanna Loftus and Opus D, 70.50%
2. Helen Hopewell and Ototo, 69.83%
3. Lucy Sankey and My Beauty, 67.17%
Equi-Trek Elementary 4 Gold
1. Amber Flynn and Fortuna BG, 72.33%
2. Anna Wilson and Finest Hour, 71.33%
3. Emily Sutherland and Woodcroft Obsession, 69.83%
Equi-Trek Elementary 5 Silver
1. Helen Hopewell and Ototo, 74.53%
2. Joanna Loftus and Opus D, 70.31%
3. Nina Gribben and Kyciretha, 68.59%
Equi-Trek Elementary 5 Gold
1. Amber Flynn and Fortuna BG, 71.88%
2. Alex Ingoe Connolly and Oedda Lijbra’s Home, 70.78%
3. Emily Sutherland and Woodcroft Obsession, 69.84%
Magic NAF Prix St Georges Silver
1. Hannah MacMillan and Brookeborough Lad, 67.70%
2. Alex Ingoe Connolly and Seagry DonnaDiva, 67.60%
3. Katie Alexandra Scott and Liverpool KS, 65.69%
Magic NAF Prix St Georges Gold
1. Michael Eilberg and EDH Franklin Rose, 68.77%
2. Jonathan Dunkley and In My Mind NRW, 68.68%
3. Michael Whippey and Genson Blue, 68.58%
NAF Superflex Intermediate I Silver
1. Hannah McMillan and Brookeborough Lad, 68.97%
2. Tara Hayes and Sandora BS, 68.09%
3. Tara Hayes and Imperioso WW, 66.52%
NAF Superflex Intermediate I Gold
1. Anna Wilson and Escojunio Ballante, 68.87%
2. Michael Whippey and Genson Blue, 67.75%
3. Sue Carson and Lumiere KH, 66.57%
Stubben Intermediate II Silver
1. Nicole Turner and J’Eton Hit LDS, 65.05%
2. Carrie Byrom and Indigo X, 60.29%
3. Steph Bradley and VSH Beaulero, 56.32%
Stubben Intermediate II Gold
1. Michael Eilberg and MSJ Dante VX, 73.48%
2. Anders Dahl and Ellely’s Focus, 69.66%
3. Rebecca Edwards and Dita Von Teese, 68.38%
Saturday 17 October
Advanced 1
1. Anna Wilson and Finest Hour, 68.59%
2. Jasmine Bone and Foxholm Eternal Flame, 62.19%
FEI Children on Horses Team Test
1. Sophia Parry and Floran, 73.35%
2. Lucy Sankey and My Beauty, 68.03%
FEI Pony Team Test
1. Isabelle Kate Stuart and Fiesta, 65.48%
2. Olivia Linnane and Don Dimaro Van Het Gildeland, 65.14%
3. Lucy Sankey and Godrics Dionysus, 64.45%
FEI Junior Team Test
1. Violet Hawkins and Micquina TF, 68.03%
2. Lexie Howe and Knight Rider, 66.57%
3. Amelia Goodear and Freddie Mercury, 65.56%
FEI Young Rider Team Test
1. Mia Smith and Dutch Discovery, 65.69%
2. Ella Glennon and Skovsbogaards Lord Franklin, 64.75%
3. Daisy Bullman and Jilsonne Van Bareelhof, 64.75%
Intermediate I Freestyle to Music Silver
1. Tara Hayes and Imperioso WW, 69.96%
2. Hannah McMillan and Brookeborough Lad, 69.46%
3. Fiona Newall and Fendy VCG, 66.17%
Intermediate I Freestyle to Music Gold
1. Matt Frost and Lenika, 73.38%
2. Michael Eilberg and EDH Saubermond, 73.17%
3. Anna Wilson and Escojunio Ballante, 69.58%
Grand Prix Freestyle to Music
1. Michael Eilberg and MSJ Dante VX, 73.79%
2. Sarah Higgins and Grey Lamberto, 61.46%
3. Anna Wilson and Habana Libre A, 71.08%
Sunday 18 October
FEI Pony Individual Test
1. Amelia Dickens and Kerrishill Zeus, 65.50%
2. Isabelle Kate Stuart and Fiesta, 65.09%
3. Darcey Edwards and Don De Luxe, 63.42%
FEI Junior Individual Test
1. Violet Hawins and Ottawa De Massa, 68.74%
2. Violet Hawkins and Micquina TF, 67.93%
3. Rose Punchard and AB Kensington, 67.68%
FEI Young Rider Individual Test
1. Ella Glennon and Skovsbogaards Lord Franklin, 66.03%
2. Emily Brewer and Starbucks, 65.25%
3. Mia Smith and Dutch Discovery, 64.61%
Prix St Georges Freestyle to Music Silver
1. Lauren Williamson and Highwell Indigo, 66.92%
Prix St Georges Freestyle to Music Gold
1. Michael Eilberg and EDH Franklin Rose, 71.17%
FEI Grand Prix
1. Michael Eilberg and MSJ Dante VX, 71.63%
2. Sarah Higgins and Iranico, 68.48%
3. Rebecca Edwards and Dita Von Teese, 67.97%
