9:30pm Sunday 6th July 2008
It was first and third for Australian couple Lucinda and Clayton Fredericks on the final day of the three-star event at the Barbury Horse Trials - the pair split by Britain's William Fox Pitt, who took second place on Parkmore Ed, writes JANET PERRINS.
The course rode well despite the rain, although the first water complex and the exit from the quarry caught out a number of riders, including triple gold medallist Mark Todd.
British supporters could take heart from Fox Pitt's second, fourth and fifth placings, with fellow Olympic team member Daisy Dick in seventh and Mary King eighth.
Lucinda Fredericks, based near Devizes, triumphed on her sparky mare Headley Britannia and said: "She wasn't as crazy as she can be, not quite so impetuous. We have a good partnership and she is in fine order."
Fox-Pitt now has the dilemma of choosing which of his three rides to take to Hong Kong for the Games.
"It has not made my life any easier. It is such a privilege to be able such three wonderful horses - I couldn't put a pin between them," he said.
Australian Paul Tapner, who is lives near Blunsdon, hopes his excellent round and 10th place on Inonothing will bring him to the attention of the Australian selectors who were choosing which reserve to take to Hong Kong today.
"I am really happy with him - he was awesome. I hope this will help my standing with the selectors," said Tapner.
Ruth Edge won the two-star section B event on PC Wilson, some consolation for the disappointment of having to withdraw Two Thyme from the British Olympic team list.
The horse, owned by Phil and Maureen Smith, from Bremhill, injured itself recently and will be out for the rest of the season.
New Zealand veteran Andrew Nicholson, based in Lockeridge, moved up from third after dressage and showjumping to second place with a clear round inside the time with Robin and Nicky Salmon's Irish-bred grey Mr Cruise Control.
Nicholson was also 12th in the three star with former Ruth Edge ride, Muschamp Impala.
Calne-based Sam Albert, who is representing Jamaica in the Olympics, was delighted with her chestnut mare, Before I Do It's, performance in sixth place.
"I relieved to have it over and she went really well and is now safe back at the yard. I was so pleased with her," said Albert.
New Zealander Joe Meyer and Clifton Lush were the winners of this year's Retrained Racehorse Event Championship.
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