Equestrian rider Clayton Fredericks has created a slice of history for himself by becoming only the second rider to claim a second HSBC FEI World Cup Eventing Final.
The WAIS individual scholarship holder claimed his second title, following his first success in 2005, with both victories achieved upon Ben Along Time, the same horse he recently rode to a silver medal at the Beijing Games in China.
“I bought Ben Along Time as a 4-year-old, and he has been such a good horse in championships, so this means the world to me,” said Clayton. “The World Cup is a really important competition for me. My win in 2005 gave me confidence to go on and win other competitions.”
Clayton Fredericks survived a scare on Saturday’s cross-country in Deauville, France, when Ben Along Time left a leg jumping into the water complex at fence 20, pitching his rider on to his neck. Fredericks and his mount recovered to complete the course without penalty.
Unfortunately, Clayton’s wife and fellow WAIS scholarship holder Lucinda Fredericks, who was in second place after dressage, was not so lucky. Headley Britannia made a rare mistake at the penultimate obstacle and clipped the narrow rails. The mare remained on her feet, but Lucinda didn’t remain in the plate.
“I think I just got a little blasé,” said Lucinda modestly.
Clayton Fredericks claimed first position with a score of 44.9 ahead of Pippa Funnel of Great Britain on Ensign, and Frank Ostholt of Australia on Air Jordan.
