Lucinda Fredericks and Flying Finish take second overall in Luhmuhlen CCI4*

Lucinda Fredericks and Flying Finish. Photo: Peter Nixon/FEI

A clear round from Lucinda Fredericks in the Show Jumping phase of the Luhmuhlen CCI4* overnight has rewarded the Beijing silver medallist with second place overall.

The event was the final opportunity for Australia’s UK based Eventers to put a good performance on the board before Australia’s Eventing team for the 2012 London Olympic Games is decided.

“I’ve had a fantastic week,” Lucinda said. “My horse has only been Eventing for two years, but he seems to find it easy. I feel such respect for him. He tries so hard and wants to do right for me,” she added.

Fredericks and her ten year old gelding Flying Finish were strong through all three phases of the competition. On day one the combination took an early lead after producing the best Dressage score (31.80) of the 44 strong field. They slid to fourth after picking up 9.20 time penalties on the challenging Cross Country course but finished in second position overall after adding just two time penalties to their score in the Show Jumping phase.  

Six time Olympian Andrew Hoy who was competing at Luhmuhlen with nine year old gelding Rutherglen was in second position after cross country day but the combination knocked three rails down in Sunday’s Show Jumping phase which relegated them to sixth position overall. 

Four Australian combinations finished in the top ten including Atlanta gold medallist Wendy Schaeffer (Koyuna Sun Dancer) who produced a clear Show Jumping round to consolidate her ninth position overall while Paul Tapner and Inonothing rounded out the top ten.

The event was won by German combination Michael Jung and Leopin FST.

Final Australian placings

2 Lucinda Fredericks/Flying Finish 42.00

6 Andrew Hoy/Rutherglen 48.80

9 Wendy Schaeffer/Koyuna Sun Dancer 51.90

10 Paul Tapner/Inonothing 57.70

18 Catherine Burrell/Urzan 89.50

19 Kevin McNab/Clifton Pinot  94.00

20 Emma Dougall/Kelecyn Ice Age 96.00

50 Peter Atkins/Henry Jota Hampton Withdrawn before xc