Clayton Fredericks is back on winning form, taking first and second place at Renswoude CCI*** in Holland just two weeks after a cross-country fall that left him hospitalised.
Clayton and Bendigo III led the field throughout the event at the weekend (10 June), winning with a final score of 41.2. Just behind the 10-year-old gelding was Clayton’s other ride Walterstown Don’s on 45.9.
“Bendigo felt amazing and was the fastest on the cross country course where no one got the time,” Clayton said. “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."
Bendigo, who has only been in full time eventing since 2009, took Clayton to victory at Samur CCI*** in 2011, but it was at this year’s event on 19 May, that the Aussie eventer took a crashing fall from Be My Guest. The mare trod on his stomach and he ended up in hospital for more than a week.
“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.”
Clayton and Bendigo qualified for the Olympic squad back in 2011 following their wins in Saumur and also Pau. Now back on top form, it looks like the pair is a definite contender for a place at next month’s Olympics. The Australian team is to be announced on 18 June.
“I hope this will now stand me in good position for a crack at an individual medal in London,” he said.
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