Talented Australian couple the centre of attention
In the spirit of Hollywood's 'Brangelina' fascination, Clayton and Lucinda Fredericks could be known as, perhaps, 'Clucinda'. Judging from the attention and the number of photographs taken of the husband and wife team, such a nickname might not be out of place.
'Don't make too much out of this,' Lucinda says as she and Clayton pose for photographs with their arms around each other's waist. They looked at each other and laughed. Flashes went off.
Thankfully, the Australian eventers prefer Team Fredericks, a name far more inclusive. That team includes horse owners, grooms, management, coaches and, of course, three-year-old daughter Ellie, already with her first pony in Britain.
The pair were considered favourites to top the Olympic eventing competition before it began. Their success during yesterday's dressage test brought about even more questions, many about whether they worked well together (yes) and how Clayton would feel if Lucinda beat him to the gold medal (happy).
'Each is absolutely delighted when the other does well,' said Hong Kong's Edwin McAuley, who along with wife Peta owns Clayton's Olympic mount, Ben Along Time. 'It's very genuine. I've seen it when Clayton got the silver at the World Equestrian Games and Lucinda was thrilled and filled with tears. When Lucinda won Badminton, Clayton was thrilled and full of tears.'