6:10am Saturday 26th May 2012
LUCINDA Fredericks says that it won’t take long for husband Clayton to get back in the saddle after he was hospitalised after a fall in France last weekend.
The 43-year-old Australian international based at Little Cheverell, who is expected to be part of his country’s team for this summer’s London Olympics, came off his ride Be My Guest at the 15th fence of the Saumur CCI 3* event last Saturday and was taken to hospital for tests after the mare trod on his stomach.
But fellow Aussie rider Lucinda says that two-time Saumur winner Clayton, who should be a serious contender for the podium places in London, did not sustain any serious injuries and expects to be reunited with her husband this weekend.
“I was riding at an event in Norfolk at the same time he had his fall but as soon as I was done, our team manager got in touch to tell me what had happened,” she said.
“It’s a risky sport and these things can happen but thank goodness he was wearing his body protector because it could have been a lot worse if he hadn’t.
“We’ve been told he’ll be able to ride again straight away but luckily he’s very sensible so he won’t rush getting back in the saddle.”
Clayton said: “I am feeling frustrated to be laying here in hospital, but it is just cautionary as it appeared Lottie (Be My Guest) stepped right on my stomach.
“I will be scanned in a few days and hopefully on my way back to London preparations.’’ Marlborough-based New Zealander Andrew Nicholson finished third in Saumur on mount Viscount George.
The pair were second after the cross country but dropped down after making two jumping mistakes.
Membury-based Laura Collett, riding her Olympic hopeful Rayef, failed to make it into the showjumping finale in Saumur after eliminated during the cross-country.
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