While Australian based riders were competing at the Melbourne International 3 Day Event and some UK based riders were at Bramham Horse Trials, Clayton Fredericks opted for the Renswoude Horse Trials in Holland. Clayton, who qualified his horse Bendigo for the Olympic squad in 2011 with wins in Saumur and Pau, was one of the casualties of the course at Saumur in May 2012, falling from Be My Guest at the 15th obstacle, suffering an injury and taken to hospital by ambulance.
Just two weeks from his stint in hospital after this fall, Clayton was back in action to finish 1st and 2nd at CCI Renswoude 3***. It was a strong comeback to top form and may help secure Clayton’s selection to the Australian Team which will be announced next week.
Clayton said “Bendigo who won felt amazing and was the fastest on the cross country course where no one got the time”.
Clayton further commented “Both Bendigo and Walterstown Don jumped brilliantly with clear show jumping to finish a great weekend for me where I led from start to finish. I was quite anxious about the cross country as the three horses in front of me did not make it past the 4th fence, a huge ditch and hedge into the woods. However, Walter the first of my rides sailed through to huge roar from the spectators. I hope this will now stand me in good position for a crack at an individual medal in London”.
(Photos courtesy www.horsmans.com)
