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Near Sweep for Lamaze As Riders From 11 Nations Vie

March 9, 2008

Wellington, FL --- Olympic individual medal favourite, Eric Lamaze, of Schomberg, Ontario, showed what he could do against the world this week near Palm Beach, Florida, where Canadian show jumping team selectors are observing candidates. Lamaze made a near clean-sweep of the week's competitions against riders from 11 nations attempting to prove their Olympic abilities.

When Thursday's $30,000 grand prix was rescheduled to Friday morning due to severe weather, Lamaze opted not to use his Olympic mount, Hickstead,. Instead he used his rising star, Sadin, and defeated more than 40 entrants. He saved Hickstead for Friday evening's team competition. Nine nations competed, as well as one Russian individual who jumped the course to prove herself for Olympic qualification. Lamaze was one of only two rider/horse combinations to jump two fault-free rounds. The other was newcomer Ben Maher, of Great Britain. Lamaze's performance helped the Canadian team secure second-place, behind the always-strong U.S. But it also made Lamaze the equal-best individual.

Lamaze was riding in the anchor (last-to-go) position, which is usually filled by "Captain Canada" Ian Millar. Millar was at home in Canada, due to the recent death of his wife. "Ian has been on every nations cup team I've ever been on", Lamaze commented, "The best thing I can do under these circumstances is go double-clear", adding that Millar has done that so many times in the same position and that's what he and his late wife would have wanted from his replacement.

Today, Lamaze almost stole the show and the winner's share of the $150,000 purse in the final selection trial for the U.S. team short list. The U.S. will send ten riders on a European tour before naming their final Olympic squad. With 45 riders from 11 nations trying to prove their Olympic capability, Lamaze and Hickstead were among only 7 combinations to jump fault-free. In the tie-breaker they set a blazing pace that looked unbeatable. But, American rising star, Kent Farrington, the reigning U.S. champion, reduced Lamaze's time by nearly two seconds, forcing Lamaze to settle for second.

This week's performances make Lamaze a clear early Olympic medal favourite, individually.

Two other Canadian team candidates also competed in today's grand prix and Friday's nations cup. Mac Cone, of King City, Ontario, rode the inexperienced Ole, with just one knockdown today. Olympic veteran Mario Deslauriers, of Bromont, Quebec, rode Paradigm with one knockdown today and just one knockdown, over two rounds, in the nations cup.

Ian Millar is expected to return to competition next week. 2007 Pan American Games individual gold medalist, Jill Henselwood, is not competing here, opting to spend the winter competing in California, with the permission of the Olympic selection committee. Both Millar and Henselwood remain front-runners to be named to Canada's team in spite of not competing in this week's events. The team will be named in June.

For further information contact: Jayne Huddleston 561-889-3160

(after March 10, 905-338-8328)

jayne@jaynehuddleston.com

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