Amazing victory for Clayton Fredericks in Martinvast

After an amazing cross country test on Saturday afternoon which confirmed the supremacy of British riders Pippa Funnell and Zara Phillips, the final test of show jumping moved deeply the final ranking. French Athens Olympic medalist Cédric Lyard was 3rd before this class, and did not give way to pressure by realizing a clear round riding Jessy Mail.

Next to go, World Champion Zara Phillips made 4 faults with Red Baron, pushing her out of the podium (9th). Pippa Funnell had “just” to imitate Cédric to win her first « Grand Complet ». But her mount, Ensign, made a fault. That was enough to let Cédric Lyard achieving to the top rank and winning his first World Cup stage and his first event here in Martinvast.

Italian Juan Carlos Garcia realized a great competition riding Iman du Golfe. Only 18e after dressage, he reached 6th position thanks to a remarkable cross country test in the time allowed and finished with just one fault on the show jumping, lyoing at a wonderful final 4th place. It’s the first time an Italian rider finishes in the top 5 ranking on a FEI World Cup Eventing competition and the best place ever at Martinvast for an Italian eventer.

In the CIC**, the Australian Clayton Fredericks, just back from Hong Kong with a silver team medal, finished with a clear round on the cross country course riding The Frog. French riders Stanislas de Zuchowicz and Raymond Nersessian completed the top 3.

On Saturday 23rd, Catherine Burrell has offered to Australia its first win in the CIC*. With her own horse Urzan, she nearly kept her dressage score and beat French military rider Didier Willefert and her fellow countrywoman Lucinda Fredericks.