The Canadian team comprised of Jonathan Asselin of Calgary, AB riding Showgirl, Tiffany Foster, of Schomberg, ON riding Verdi III, Mac Cone of King City, ON riding Amor Van De Rostal, and Eric Lamaze of Schomberg, ON riding Powerplay, finished sixth in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final on a combined score of 17 faults. The team was supported by Chef d’Equipe Mark Laskin, Team Manager, Karen Hendry-Ouellette, Team Veterinarian Dr. Sylvie Surprenant and Stable Manager, Darren Roberts.
Clear Rounds at a Premium in Final
The atmosphere was abuzz at the Real Club de Polo for this momentous final. Throngs of spectators adorned the sidelines of the arena to watch the world’s best go head to head in this gripping conclusion. Clear rounds were at a premium over the testing course which Canadian team member Yann Candele of Caledon ON called “a true championship course”. Canada’s Asselin incurred 16 jumping faults and originally three on the clock, but following several rounds, the time allowed was adjusted to 81 seconds and Asselin’s score was adjusted to 17 faults. Foster showed exceptional talent, however, a difficult line between the water jump and a 1.65m plank vertical fell to the great chagrin of the Canadian supporters. Foster commented, “The plank was very difficult; the distance was really on the half stride so you had to pick which one you wanted to do then hope.”
Cone and Amor van de Rostal, had the same fence as Foster, proving how delicate the plank was. The Sagrada Familia oxer, the largest on course, also dropped in addition to one other and a time fault to give them a score of 13. It was anchor rider, Lamaze who would improve the fate of the Canadian team with an exceptional clear on Powerplay. Lamaze was one of only four riders to achieve a clear round in today’s event, and was one of two to achieve a clear round in both Friday’s round and today’s Final. He will share in the 200,000 Euro prize fund with Great Britain’s Scott Brash.
Lamaze Rewarded for Consistency
Lamaze’s consistency was enviable. “It shows how difficult it is, that there were only two people out of 18 nations sharing in that bonus money” said Lamaze of his historic win. “The bonus is fantastic. It’s that hard of a competition that is not necessary but is a nice addition”
Chef d’Equipe Mark Laskin was hopeful about the Canadian future in international competition such as this Nations Cup. He commented, “In this company, 6th place is still a pretty good result.” He highlighted that while Canada has a great talent pool of athletes, to win at this level the team requires greater horsepower, “I hope we have some owners to step up and buy some horses, because we have some fantastic athletes in this country. If we can do that, we can be a big factor in the World Equestrian Games next year.”
Canadians Impress at CSIO Barcelona
The CSIO Barcelona also played host to a schedule of FEI jumping classes alongside the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Final competitions. Canadian team rider, Yann Candele of Caledon, ON riding Brooklyn Blues, Carol Sollak’s nine-year-old Oldenburg (Balou du Rouet X True Love)finished second in the la Caixa Trophy, a 1.45m speed class. He spoke of developing his string of horses for the international level, “Everyone is pushing forward to be a member of the team, to help Eric and Tiffany and the group.” Lamaze and Quelmec du Gery, Artisan Farms, LLC’s nine-year-old Selle Francais (Pamphile X Haisy)finished 3rd in the Estrella Damm Trophy and 4th in the Coca Cola Trophy, both 1.45m classes. Foster and Victor, Torrey Pines Stable & Artisan Farms’ 11-year-old Dutch warmblood (Elmshorn/ Golden Girl) finished 6th in the Longines Cup and 4th in the Queen’s Cup under the floodlights. Foster had four faults in the jump off of each class with a fast time.
The Barcelona show jumping tour was made possible through Sport Canada’s ‘Own the Podium’ program, a national sport technical initiative designed to help Canada’s summer and winter athletes achieve podium success at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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