Clean sweep for Team Fredericks

10:12am Monday 30th June 2008

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Equestrian: Husband and wife team Clayton and Lucinda Fredericks proved that in the dressage at least they will be a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the Olympics in Hong Kong, taking the top spots in the Eventers' Dressage at the Hunters Equestrian Centre on Thursday.

The centre held two classes, a three star test and a slightly shortened version of the four star test which will be run at the Olympics. Many of the top international event riders turned out as part of their preparations, not only for the Olympics but also for the Barbury International Horse Trials which begins next week.

The Australians have not yet named their team but Devizes based Clayton on Ben Along Time and wife Lucinda on her Badminton winner Headley Britannia is sure to have two of the slots.

Lucinda was first in the three star with her mare on 72.91 % and Clayton second on Ben Along Time on 72.5%, with Swindon's Rodney Powell third on Master Jack on 72.08. Powell's British team reserve horse Zin Zan is recovering from pus in the hoof and is uncertain for Barbury.

But in the four star test the tables were turned with Clayton taking the top spot, Lucinda second and William Fox Pitt third on Tamarillo, despite some rather exuberant moments, on 70.74 per cent..

"Brit (Headley Britannia) is a funny little thing - she needs more atmosphere than there was here today. We have just come back from Luhmulen where she had a 32 dressage. I find it difficult to motivate here and do a lot of my dressage training out of the school, up on the plain for instance. But Clayton's horse definitely benefits from coming here," said Lucinda.

Swindon based Australian, Paul Tapner and Innonothing came fifth in the four star and Calne based Jamaican Sam Albert was delighted with both her rides, Blarney Banker, who has been sidelined through injury since March and her Olympic ride Before I Do It, who put in one of her best tests of the year with 62.4.