Helen Baker and Boston Black Tie (DJ) completed a remarkable hat-trick by winning the Ellena Thomas BSHA supreme hack championship at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).
The nine-year-old black gelding, by Kilvington Scoundrel out of Boston Boudicca, is owned by Nicola Faulconbridge. He qualified for the supreme showdown after standing top in the Ellena Thomas BSHA small hack final, before going on to secure the coveted title for the third consecutive year.
“Third time we’ve won it on the bounce – it’s incredible,” said Helen. “I was hoping it would happen, but he still had to go in there and want it.
Latest Videos FromHorse & Hound
”I’d like to dedicate this win to my mum. It was always her favourite show and she’s no longer here, so I asked her for a little bit of help this morning – and she delivered.”
The emotional victory added another chapter to the gelding’s outstanding career, but Helen admitted there is still one goal she would love to achieve.
“Winning here three times is really special. At Horse of the Year Show we were actually pulled forward as the winner before it was taken away because of a marks error. Just hearing our name called was incredible, so I'd love to experience that feeling again and actually win HOYS."
Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Lordship’ at home, DJ has earned a reputation for knowing exactly when the spotlight is on him.
“He knows he’s special,” laughed Helen. “Today he proved it again. In the main ring, when we first go past the members, he always has a little look around. I just tell him, ‘Not now, DJ, not now,’ give him a little stroke, and he says, ‘OK, we can do this.’ I talk to him all the way round.”
Helen now plans to continue campaigning DJ in Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers as they bid to secure their place at Birmingham later this season.
Winning the large division was Jean Walsh-Wright’s Diptford Arctic Star with Bethany Beard in the saddle.
However Nicola Miller’s second placed large hack Copybush So Fashion and producer Will Morton upped their game to secure the runner-up spot in the championship.
Laura Nicholson astride her own Windsor champion Absolutely Lovely completed the championship contenders after finishing second in the small ranks.
Follow the RIHS showing news LIVE as it happens...
Don’t miss a moment with Horse & Hound’s up-to-the-minute reports from Hickstead
