Under spectacular conditions at Spruce Meadows, Canada’s Eric Lamaze bested a field of top international talent and rode Hickstead to victory in the Scotiabank Cup. The reigning Olympic Champion, and # 1 ranked rider in the world, posted one of just five clear rounds from the 28 horse entry over the Bob Ellis (GBR) designed track. Ellis, who will also design the courses for the 2012 London Games, presented a 520 metre course in the first round with 12 numbered obstacles and 15 jumping efforts.
“Hickstead felt fantastic tonight,” said Lamaze following the victory. “He is so naturally quick and careful that it really played into my hands in this very long jump off. When I finished the jump off I knew we would be tough to beat for the three that still had to go”. In fact the only other double clear was posted by Guy Thomas (NZL) who led off the jump off but was over 3 seconds behind Lamaze.
In other international competition today at Spruce Meadows, Daniel Bluman (COL) made history by posting the first ever international win for Colombia in the AltaGas Cup. Forty-five entries took on the Bob Ellis (GBR) course with twelve managing to advance to the jump off. Bluman was the last to go and made it count aboard his 16 year old Hanoverian gelding Fatalis Fatum . “This is a dream for me. I can’t believe it. I really can’t believe it,” said the emotional 21 year old in the winner’s circle while accepting congratulations and the AltaGas trophy and prize. “I have dreamt of this my entire life. To win here against the best is truly special.” he added holding back tears of joy.
Action continues at the Spruce Meadows “Continental” through Sunday, culminating with the $125,000 CN Performance World Cup, the second leg in the $1 million CN Precision Series.
For a complete tournament schedule visit the Spruce Meadows website at http://www.sprucemeadows.com/.
Scotia Bank Cup – Top 10
1. Eric Lamaze – CAN – Hickstead
2. Guy Thomas – NZL – Queen Charlotte B
3. McLain Ward – USA – Oh D’Eole
4. Beezie Madden – USA – Coral Reef Via Volo
5. John Pearce – CAN – Son of a Gun
6. Jill Henselwood – CAN – George
7. Jonathon Millar – CAN – Contino 14
8. Mark Armstrong – GBR – Thesaura
9. Chris Pratt – CAN – Cruise
10. Ben Asselin – CAN – Lolita
AltaGas Cup – Top 10
1. Daniel Bluman – COL – Fatalis Fatum
2. Mclain Ward – USA – Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve
3. Richard Spooner – USA – Pariska 2
4. Hector Caro Elenes – MEX – Siterma
5. Tiffany Foster – CAN – Victor
6. Eric Lamaze – CAN – Coriana Van Klapscheut
7. Mario Deslauriers – USA – Urico
8. Eduardo Menezes – BRA – Urico
9. Beezie Madden – USA – Amadora
10. Leslie Howard – USA – Goed Zo
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