PrintHusband and wife Lucinda and Clayton Fredericks stole the show in the first session of dressage, Aug. 9, on Saturday morning, giving the Australian team quite a lead (67.4) over the second-placed U.S. team (85.8).
Lucinda had the best test of her career with Headley Britannia, scoring a 30.4, almost 7 points ahead of Clayton (37.0). Gina Miles also had her best score to date, to stand third (39.3).
“I thoroughly enjoyed that ride,” said Lucinda. “She’s so little, she’s actually quite easy to maneuver around the arena. She stayed in front of me as much as she can. She’s not flashy or a big, smart mover, but she’s very correct.”
Lucinda said she did everything she could in the team trot-ups prior to selection to not follow her husband, since Ben Along Time’s flashy movement makes “Brit” seem even less fancy in comparison. “Ben Along Time comes along and flashes away, and then Brit comes in and goes tick, tick, tick,” said Lucinda with a laugh. “But the judges get to know them, and I think they appreciate that she’s very correct, and they really appreciate how much effort she puts in. The art of her is to go in and not trot [around the ring before the bell] unless you’re in an extended trot so they can’t see that it’s an average trot.”
She said her experience competing in Grand Prix dressage has given her an edge, just as Mark Todd or Blyth Tait’s grand prix show jumping experience gives them an advantage. “It’s just a little bit more confidence, and dressage is all about confidence and your partnership and knowing your horses.”
No one knew better than Clayton just how good Lucinda’s test would be. “I said earlier I think she’s going to be my biggest competition, so I think that’s going to be the order of the day,” he said.
There was some commotion in the far stands behind the judges during Clayton’s test, when some protestors were being removed. “On that other side, there were some people making real big noise,” he said. “I don’t know what it was. It didn’t distract [my horse], but I certainly thought, you know, who are they?
“Dressage can always be better; I’d be happy if I was on a 0 score,” he added. “I’m pleased with [a score of] under 40. If I finish on 37, I’m sure I’ll be somewhere close to the medals, so I can’t be disappointed with that. What can I say? He’s a star horse no matter what happens at this Olympics. I’m very proud of him and very pleased to be here and be representing Australia.”
Good For Gina
Miles has wanted to break into the 30s for a long time, and she was thrilled to do it at her first Olympic Games.
