April 1st has brought the end of the circuit, with its highs and lows – many improvements with horses and riders shown in some cases and injuries in others. Whatever injuries have occurred, Wellington has excellent teams of veterinarians and many therapeutic services at their disposal to help and spas for the riders as well – from physiotherapy and doctors, to plastic surgeons and even Botox injections given as door prizes at some functions!

Canadians are finishing the final WEF week on a high note. Eric Lamaze won the Suncast 1.50 m Championship Jumper Series Final on Coriana van Klapscheut. Eric has taken it slowly with Coriana this winter in preparation for Europe’s summer circuit. Ian Millar, whose mount Star Power is on track for the London Games, placed a very close second to the winner of the $500,000 FTI Finale Grand Prix CSI 5* Saturday night. Daniel Bluman of Colombia won by less than a second on Sancha LS. Bluman is based in Wellington but has a Canadian connection, training with Eric Lamaze for the last year.

Cathy Blundell of Montreal was champion in the Amateur Owner 3’3” 36 and Older Division on her hunter Troubadour, imported from the Netherlands by Angela Covert-Lawrence and Jeff Rundle.

Advertisement