Lucinda Fredericks and Flying Finish (pictured above) took the lead in the CCI 4* dressage phase at Luhmuhlen yesterday with a great score of 31.80. Despite her prediction that World Champion and dressage master Michael Jung would overtake her, she stayed there to hold the lead going into the cross country phase. Our on the spot photographer Libby Law commented at the time “Okay, through my lens that looked INCREDIBLE” on An Eventful Life Facebook page and the performance brought Lucinda herself to tears of joy.
Tears of joy from Lucinda!
Michael Jung did however clinch the second place riding Leopin FST on a score of 32.80. Andrew Nicholson and Mr Cruise Control are in third place on 34.70, with Andrew delighted to receive a 10 for his riding saying
“It’s good to get to my age and still have a first - given a 10 for my riding on MR CRUISE CONTROL - plenty of times thought I deserved one but this is the first at an International event !”
Another Australian is then in fourth place; Andrew Hoy and Rutherglen on a score of 34.80 and Paul Tapner riding Inonothing (pictured below) is in 12th place on a score of 45.30, which Paul was very happy with.
Other Australians are not far off the lead either with Kevin McNab and Clifton Pinot in 15th place (48.20), Catherine Burrell and Urzan 16th (48.30), Wendy Schaeffer and Koyuna Sun Dancer 19th (49.50) and Emma Dougall and Kelecyn Ice Age 27th (54.80). Peter Atkins rode the dressage phase to score 58.80 on his very popular World Equestrian Games horse Henry Jota Hampton but sadly has had to withdraw before cross country. Peter broke his leg a few weeks ago and is still struggling with his fitness so has decided not to risk the cross country phase.
Lucinda and Flying Finish have had a good partnership since she took the ride on the 16h bay Holsteiner gelding that was found by his owner Donald Reid in a German riding school. They have gone double clear in all six of their 3* international level events, including sixth at Fontainebleau this year and best Australian team horse in the Aachen Nations Cup 2011 placing ninth individually. The 4* cross country course at Luhmuhlen however will be a big challenge for all riders
On the Team Fredericks website Lucinda says
“The cross country course is big and bold with a lot of maximum dimensions and four challenging water complexes. I have been drawn midway in the programme which I am happy with and with dressage starting on Friday I will be trying my best to bring home a great result!”
Wendy Schaeffer is the first Australian rider on the cross country which starts just before 2pm (German time).
All photos by Libby Law - for the photo gallery from Luhmuhlen CCI 4* dressage CLICK HERE
Full results CLICK HERE
