Todd returns after eight years
HONG KONG (Reuters) - Flushed faces and sweat-soaked jodhpurs were hallmarks of the first equestrian event of the Beijing Games on Saturday, as riders did their best to cope with Hong Kong's stifling heat and humidity.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Mark Todd was making his return to dressage after an eight-year break but the difficult conditions were the main topic of discussion.
Australia's Clayton Fredericks, who had been in the lead, was overtaken by his wife and team mate Lucinda on Headley Britannia.
"(Headley Britannia) is fine, I'm the worse one, I'm sweating like a trooper," Australian eventer Lucinda Fredericks said after taking the provisional lead with 30.40 penalty points.
New Zealander Todd, competing in his sixth Olympics, rode first on Gandalf at Hong Kong's Sha Tin arena shortly after a rosy sunrise.
The 52-year-old Todd scored 49.40 penalty points but was soon overtaken by Australia's Clayton Fredericks, who rode Ben Along Time to garner 37 points.
"I was warned about the heat and humidity but they didn't tell me I was going to nearly drown," Todd told reporters, sweat dripping down his face.
"I was really pleased with him. It's only a short time since I got the horse and it can't be any better," said Todd of grey gelding Gandalf.
Conditions were drier than in recent days with mist draping the mountains behind the arena but otherwise bright skies, a few days after a severe tropical storm hit Hong Kong.
The dressage is the first phase of equestrian eventing and will be followed by cross-country and show jumping next week.
(Editing by Steve Ginsburg)
