LUCINDA Fredericks has heaped praise on her ride Flying Finish as she prepares to go for eventing glory at the Olympics this weekend.

The Little Cheverell-based rider won silver with the Australian team in Hong Kong four years ago, and is part of a strong Australian quintet, alongside husband Clayton, aiming to go one better in London.

Fredericks, 46, excelled on now-retired Headley Britania, who claimed top-class titles at Badminton and Burghley as well as helping her to team Olympic silver in 2008.

But the Wiltshire rider is delighted with the progress of her young horse as she prepares for another Games appearance.

“Flying Finish is a hugely talented horse,’’ said Fredericks.

“I get a lot of confidence from him because he has a superb temperament.

“He’s not cocky at all.

“Brit (Headley Britania) did her lot with sheer guts and determination, but this horse can use natural ability.

“I hope he will go really well.’’ The competition gets underway on Saturday with two days of dressage, followed by cross country on Monday and the final showjumping discipline to decide team and individual medals on Tuesday.

Badbury-based Andrew Hoy joins the Fredericks in Australia’s line-up, while New Zealand’s team also boasts a Wiltshire connection, with Andrew Nicholson (Marlborough) and Jonelle Richards (Mildenhall) in their ranks.

Fredericks added: “I’m really looking forward to it and I’m very proud to be riding in Britain (in the Olympics), being raised in this country, and it’s nice that my parents are going to come up for one of the dressage days.

“Hopefully we (herself and Clayton) can both do our best and come back with another medal for our country.

“One better than last time would be good!’’ Marcelo Tosi, who has based himself in Marston, near Devizes, rides for the Brazilian team at Greenwich.

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