Is Clayton Fredericks the only event rider to have completed all 6 of the world’s 4-star events?
A discussion arose on Twitter last week — started by Zoe Brown (@zoegroomevent), who is head girl to Emily Llewellyn — about whether any rider has achieved the feat of finishing at Badminton, Burghley, Luhmühlen, Pau, Kentucky and Adelaide CCI4*s.
Several “eventing geeks” became involved in the conversation and while multiple names including Christopher Burton and Jock Paget were suggested, on closer examination all but Clayton were missing at least 1 event from their CV. Australia’s Wendy Schaeffer has started at all 6 events, but not completed Pau.
The FEI database is not complete as far back as some of the older 4-stars have been running, but Clayton confirmed last night on twitter that he has completed Adelaide CCI4* on a horse called Forman Material. He has also finished at the 5 northern hemisphere 4-stars.
British rider Alice Dunsdon is currently on a quest to complete all 6 4-stars on 1 horse, Fernhill Present. Following her run at Rolex Kentucky this year, she is planning to target Badminton and Adelaide next year to achieve the full house.
American rider Colleen Rutledge has already completed the 5 northern hemisphere 4-stars on Shiraz, but said last year at Badminton that she has no imminent plans to go to Adelaide, because of the prohibitive cost.
World number 1 William Fox-Pitt also holds a special place in the northern hemisphere 4-star records, as he has won all 5. But he has never ridden at Adelaide.
Can you name another rider who has completed all 6 of the world’s CCI4*s? If so, email H&H eventing editor Pippa Roome.
