Elated Eilberg Wins at National Dressage Championships

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Maria Eilberg from Beoley, Nr Redditch in Worcestershire was crowned National Dressage Champion at the Blue Waters National Dressage Championships 2008 held at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.

Partnered by Two Sox with whom she was travelling reserve for the Beijing Olympics, Maria produced a brilliant Grand Prix Freestyle performance to score 73.90%. This gave her a one percent lead, which combined with the previous day’s Grand Prix score, was enough to secure the national title. Maria, who is trained by her father Ferdi Eilberg said: “It still hasn’t sunk in yet – it’s a fantastic experience!”

14 year old Two Sox is owned by Maria’s father, and has been with the family since a 3 year old. Maria said: “Ed [Two Sox] is really coming into his prime – he’s at his peak physically and has much more confidence in the arena. He’s a totally genuine character and always tries for me - he’s been absolutely amazing this week.”

Maria (24), formerly a top Under 21 rider, with many European Championship medals to her name is quick to talk about the support of her family: “I couldn’t do this without them - it is a huge team effort. Dad travels to all the shows with me, both at home and abroad while Mum holds the fort at home. I can’t thank them enough which is why I’m going to give them my prize [an all-inclusive holiday to the Blue Waters Hotel in Antigua].”

Maria, who is a member of the Lottery funded World Class Performance Plan which develops elite riders for future Olympic success, now has her sights set on the 2009 European Dressage Championships.

Laura Bechtolsheimer, who won the Grand Prix on Saturday with her new ride Andretti H, was unable to contest Sunday’s Grand Prix Freestyle as the horse was held up in stationary traffic following an accident on the M5.

Easibed Grand Prix