(SPRUCE MEADOWS, Calgary, AB): Team Canada entered the Spruce Meadows International Ring with a different look this year; instead of perennial underdogs they were the defending champions of the $350,000 BMO Nations’ Cup, the richest team event in the world. They faced five other teams, each looking to beat the defending champions.
Canada stood on solid ground after the first round. They held five faults and second place behind the World Champion Dutch. Team Germany wouldn’t be discounted and mounted a comeback in the second round, posting a perfect score of zero. The Netherlands struggled and suffered 12 faults in round two. With Eric Lamaze riding Hickstead to a double clear, Canada’s fate was in the hands of Ian Millar who anchored his team for the second year in a row. A sigh of disappointment could be heard across the stands as he had a rail in the BMO triple combination. Team Canada would have to settle for third.
A jump off between the Netherlands and Germany decided the outcome of the BMO Nations’ Cup. Germany’s Heinrich Engemann was able to ride clear while Dutch ace, Gerco Schroder could not. With a great come back the Germans were able to earn their 7th BMO Nations’ Cup at Spruce Meadows. “For the second year in a row, we ended with a terrific jump-off in the BMO Nations’ Cup,” said Bill Downe, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group. “I am delighted to present, on behalf of all my colleagues at BMO Financial Group, the winner’s cheque to Team Germany.”