LUCINDA AND BRIT RULE THE DRESSAGE

Lucinda Fredericks and Headley Britannia (no. 32) impressed the ground jury to take a resounding lead at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. 

The little chestnut mare improved on last year’s test at Burghley, where they went on to win, and have a six penalty lead over the French combination of Jean-Lou Bigot and Icare D’Auzay, who moved ahead of New Zealander Andrew Nicholson and Henry Tankerville. Andrew and Henry share third place with the British combination of Sharon Hunt and Tankers Town. 

‘Brit’ gained a score of 10 for her final halt and Lucinda, who rides for Australia, scored two nines and an eight for her riding. “Every time I did a flying change I thought ‘that was so much fun’” said Lucinda. “She is not a superstar but she is so good in the head.” The same comment was made earlier in the day by Andrew Nicholson about third placed Henry Tankerville. Both horses are by the part bred Irish Draught stallion Jumbo. 

“Dressage is the easy part for me,” said Lucinda who has made the decision to give Brit a determined ride cross-country. “I’ll be going hard and fast as that is how she likes to be ridden. I am going to really try to come home inside the time as to complete inside the time at a four-star event has always been a little bit of dream.” 

Jean-Lou Bigot, who is making his second appearance at Badminton, has no such aim. “Icare D’Auzay is a serious dressage horse and jumps well but I don’t expect him to be very fast,” said the former European Champion and regular French team member. 

Lucinda is the only rider, so far, to break the 40 penalty barrier – her test averaged a good mark of 76.8%. 

The German combination of Frank Ostholt and Air Jordan are first into the arena tomorrow morning at 9.30am.