Lauren Roach is Victorious in the Penultimate UNIBED Winter B&C Qualifier at Aintree's Winter Classic Show
Tuesday 27 January 2026
Aintree International Equestrian Centre played host to the penultimate Winter Classic show, where riders were battling for a coveted place in the final at the Royal International Horse Show. The UNIBED – High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B&C Qualifier delivered thrilling sport, with 13 combinations of the strong field of 39 starters, qualifying for the jump-off; six securing double clears and a chance to secure their ticket to the final.
Victory went to 24-year-old Lauren Roach, who produced a superb performance to take the win aboard her long-term partner Louisiana-S, a 10-year-old mare owned by Paul Kelly and Kerry Grimster. Fourth to return in the jump-off, Roach set an unbeatable standard, stopping the clock in 33.58 seconds with a faultless round to secure the top spot.
Lauren and Louisiana-S have continued to build an impressive record together. The partnership finished sixth in the British Showjumping National Under 25 Championship at the London International Horse Show in December, as well as achieving fifth in the Senior Newcomers Championship and seventh in the HOYS Grade C Final at the Horse of the Year Show in October. They were also crowned winners of the National Grade C Final at the British Showjumping National Championships during the summer.
Commenting on her victory, an excited Lauren said: “I really enjoyed the course, and it was a good jump-off. It really suited her as she likes to spin back on herself and has quite a big stride for a small horse. She’s a funny mare. She’s incredibly friendly and because we don’t jump her much at home, she’s always raring to go when we get to a show. She’s quite small so all that extra energy really helps, but she’s just got such incredible ability.
“This is my third year on her, and I’m so incredibly grateful to her owners, Paul and Kerry, for the opportunity to ride her. She comes from not jumping to stepping up to jump 1.40m classes, so we’ve really developed together.
“I’m really looking forward to taking her to Hickstead. The last time I jumped in the main arena was in 2016 when I won the Winter JC Championship with Westcoast Express so I’m excited to go back. I think she’ll love the main arena and she’s usually quite fast on grass so hopefully we can get a good result. This is also my last year to contend the U25 Championship at London [International Horse Show], so I really want to target those qualifiers this year with her as well.”
Strong challenges came late in the class from James Ingham, riding Vandro B, and Will Fletcher, aboard Shelton DD, both of whom returned towards the end of the jump-off in a bid to chase down Roach’s leading time. Despite producing two fast, clear rounds and finishing just 0.02 seconds apart, neither combination could quite match the pace, settling for second and third, respectively.
UNIBED - High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B&C Qualifier
Aintree International Equestrian Centre
1st – Lauren Roach & Louisiana-S - 0/0 33.58
2nd – James Ingham & Vandro B - 0/0 36.89
3rd – Will Fletcher & Shelton DD - 0/0 36.91
NB Results pending final grading
Image: Majestic Photography
.jpg "Young Riders Shine at Aintree Equestrian Centre Large Pony Premier")