Spruce Meadows “National” Saturday

Calgary, AB – What can’t two-time Olympic Gold medalist American Beezie Madden do? A year after a spectacular crash on her mare Prima, the pair returned to the Spruce Meadows International Ring for the TransCanada Parcours de Chasse.

The course featured 17 jumping efforts including the south bank. In a Parcours de Chasse, faults are converted into time and with such a talented field in today’s competition, competitors have to be both clear and fast to win.

Madden had the benefit of riding last in the TransCanada Parcours de Chasse , and watching some very fast rounds ahead of her. One of those rounds belonged to fellow American Leslie Howard, and Lennox Lewis 2.

The Queen of Speed, Howard ate up the course in 87.22 seconds, matching the time of Rodrigo Pessoa’s (BRA) earlier round. “It’s always good to go last,” said Madden. With the advantage of the spot Madden knew exactly what she had to do to win.

With a mission in mind Madden was fast with a time of, 84.47 seconds, leaving Howard in her dust. “I just had to allow her to go fast,” said Madden of her mare. “She’s just so quick on the landing,” added Madden. The plan worked as Madden won the TransCanada Parcours de Chasse, giving herself a win and redemption to Prima.

TransCanada Parcours de Chasse top 10 –

1. Beezie Madden – USA – Prima

2. Rodrigo Pessoa – BRA – Cazino

2. Leslie Howard – USA – Jeans Glove Varnel 4. Chris Pratt – CAN – G5 5. Leslie Howard – USA – Lennox Lewis 2 6. Rodrigo Pessoa – BRA – Champ 163 7. Hayley Alfonso – CAN – Lennox 157 8. Yann Candele – CAN – Game Ready 9. Pablo Barrios – VEN – Game Ready 10. Brianne Goutal – USA – Mon Gamin

There was a lot on the line in today’s $200,000 CN Reliability Grand Prix. The winner would take home more than a cheque. They would also claim the first stake in the CN Precision Series. One of the things that makes today’s winner, Eric Lamaze (CAN) so hard to beat is his single minded focus on a goal.

Standing in his way today were 18 jumping efforts, 630 metres of course, and 37 of the best horse/rider combinations in the world. With a perfect first round Lamaze joined four others in the jump-off.

Federico Fernandez (MEX) was the first to go clear in the jump-off, he set the time to beat at 55.49 seconds. “I was hoping that Eric would have a rail down,” said Fernandez when asked if he thought his time would hold. “He’s probably the best rider in the world,” added Fernandez.

The best rider in the world, paired with arguably the best horse in the world is a dangerous match. Lamaze guided his 14 year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion around the jump-off course with focus, they crossed the finish line in 53.72 seconds.

That speed took Lamaze and Hickstead to the top of the CN Reliability Grand Prix, a familiar place with after a win in 2008. “Hickstead’s always perfect,” said Lamaze of his mount. “His name should have been ATM,” joked the champion.

Whatever his name, Hickstead helped continue what has been an amazing week for the Olympic Champion. With four wins in four days Lamaze is having the “National” Tournament of a lifetime.

CN Reliability Grand Prix top 10 –

1. Eric Lamaze – CAN – Hickstead

2. Federico Fernandez – MEX – Zorro

3. John Pearce – CAN – Chianto

4. Katie McVean – NZL – Delphi

5. Guy Thomas – NZL – Carino

6. Beezie Madden – USA – Coral Reef Via Volo 7. Mario Deslauriers – USA – Vicomte D 8. Pablo Barrios – VEN – G&C Quick Star 9. Daniel Bluman – USA – Fatalis Fatum 10. Brianne Goutal – USA – Onira