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Canadians Ride Strong

June 6, 2007

Spruce Meadows, Calgary, AB --- A steady day of rain didn’t dampen the first day of the Spruce Meadows “National” Tournament. In fact the 20mm of rain that fell on Spruce Meadows over the last 24 hours improved conditions for the 51 riders in the Enbridge Cup on the Spruce Meadows International Ring.

The $30,000 Enbridge Cup was the first FEI event in the Spruce Meadows International Ring of the 2007 season. Lauren Hough made her Spruce Meadows debut after a two year absence, she made it count with a strong ride earning a 3rd place finish after the jump-off.

Canadian Eric Lamaze and his mare Narcotique de Muze II set the pace early in the 10 horse jump-off with a fast time of 40.101. Everyone worked to catch up but no one was able to beat that impressive time. Richard Spooner managed a clear round and a second place finish on his mare Ezrah.

In the 1.60m, section II event the ATB Financial Cup (which also served as a Pan American Games team selection for Canada) Canadian Eric Lamaze showcased his talent again, finishing first on his stallion Hickstead. For Lamaze, being a member of the Canadian team selected to go to the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil would mean a chance to help his Country qualify for the Olympics. After his victory Lamaze commented, "Not only can we win in Brazil but we need to win and once we do that we can start thinking about next year."

Lamaze, who thrives on pressure, faced 7 other riders in the ATB Financial Cup jump off and managed the only clear round with a time of 47.18. American superstar Beezie Madden finished in second with Canadians laying claim to the remainder of the top 10. If the ATB Financial Cup is a sign of things to come the Canadians are looking as strong as ever.

After a day of record rainfall in Calgary, Spruce Meadows took it all in stride. The sun started peeking through the clouds just as the Canadian National Anthem was being played for the day’s final champion Eric Lamaze and with that the first night of the Spruce Meadows “National” Tournament came to a beautiful finish.

For a complete schedule of events visit www.sprucemeadows.com

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