Olympic medallist Clayton Fredericks will design his first five-star cross-country course at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival in April 2027.
The Australian rider, who earned team silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, succeeds Britain’s Mike Etherington-Smith in the role. Etherington-Smith will remain as course advisor, with Ewan Kellett serving as assistant course-designer.
Fredericks described the appointment as an honour, noting his long connection to the event that dates back to its inaugural edition in 1997. He said his aim is to create courses that are challenging, fair and safe.
Event director Kirsty Withers called the move an exciting new chapter and praised the continued involvement of Etherington-Smith and the existing team. Fredericks also holds other international design roles, including an assistant position at this year’s Burghley Horse Trials.
