Lamaze cites his personal health as a primary reason for his decision along with Tokyo's currently state of emergency.

The 1.60m Grand Prix at Hubside in Saint-Tropez ‒ the first outdoor CSI5* in Europe this year ‒ saw a big win for the Swiss rider.

The Canadian steered Chacco Kid to 4th place in the Du Grand Chesall during the Hubside Spring Tour in St. Tropez.

The Irishman took the $137,000 Grand Prix CSI3* with Great-Tikila J; top Canadian was Eric Lamaze with Chacco Kid in 4th spot.

Lamaze is back in Florida and got right down to business, winning the $37,000 Douglas Elliman 1.45m CSI3* over Michel Vaillancourt's course.

Lamaze was one of seven to qualify for the jump-off at Al Shaqab; Niels Bruynseels (BEL) won while Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) was second.

The German rider guided Dominator 2000 Z to win the 410,000 euro finale in Doha, edging Olivier Robert (FRA) and Niels Bruynseels (BEL).

The Canadian has two top horses with him as he squares off against a strong international field leading up to the €410,000 GP on Saturday.

Canadians Eric Lamaze and Tiffany Foster place 5-6 in the class, while Rachel Cornacchia grabs 2nd place in $50,000 grand prix.

Two Canadians were top-10: Mario Deslauriers and Bardolina (7th) and Eric Lamaze with Dieu Merci Van T & L (10th).