Two of Lucinda Fredericks’ top rides have been sold.
Earlier this month the eventer sold her top horse, and London 2012 ride, Flying Finish — in order to secure her future at her base in Wiltshire.
“We are all so sad to say goodbye to Flying Finish, who has been my top horse for the past three years,” she said. “Flying Finish’s sale has been very important to securing my and Ellie’s [my daughter] future at Rosegarth as our home and training base.”
The 12-year-old gelding is to be campaigned by Kiwi rider Caroline Powell.
Flying Finish was found in Germany in 2009 by Donald Reid. He intended to take him to one-star, but due to business commitments this was impossible, and so Lucinda trained the horse.
In 2012 Flying Finish came second at Vairano CCI3* and second at Luhmuhlen four-star, ensuring he was selected for London 2012. The pair were in the Australian team that finished sixth overall at the Games.
Also that year the combination won the Express Eventing in London (November 2012) and the horse was named number two in the top 20 event horses of 2012.
“I will always be very grateful to [part owner] Richard Ames for stepping in to help me keep the ride on Flying Finish soon after the Olympics,” Lucinda added.
“We have had a lot of fun and success over the past few years. Flying Finish will now be ridden by Caroline Powell who is an amazing cross-country rider. I am honoured that she has taken him on, it will be exciting to see the new partnership competing next season.”
The last event the pair competed in was Blair Castle in August where they finished fifth in the CIC3*.
Meanwhile US rider Allison Springer has bought another of Lucinda’s rides, the 10-year-old Lenardo gelding Mr Sydney Rocks.
The horse has competed successfully at CIC3*.
Mr Sydney Rocks, previously owned by Tim Page, has also been campaigned by Clayton Fredericks and Christopher Burton.
“I know that the Pages could have sold this horse to a lot of different people, and appreciate them trusting me with his future,” Allison said.
“I also cannot say enough good things about the training he has had to date, as he has truly been brought up by some of the best riders in the world.”
The horse will move to her base in Virginia before being prepared for the 2015 season.
“I absolutely think Mr Sydney Rocks has all the ingredients to be a top horse, and I cannot wait to see where our journey takes us,” she added.
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