Saturday’s feature event at the Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’, the ConocoPhillips Canada Cup, turned into six horse showdown in an action packed jump-off with riders from Canada, the United States, and Ireland. In the end it was Canada’s Eric Lamaze riding Narcotique de Muze who defeated Ian Millar (CAN) and Darragh Kerins (IRL) to take first place. Lamaze’s margin of victory was less than .5 seconds over Millar. With the win Lamaze got to within striking distance of $1 million in Spruce Meadows career earnings.
“It was nice that my mare jumped so well and was able to have some pace. I was concerned with Ian following me in the jump-off that it might not hold up,” said Lamaze. “Too many times in my career I’ve had to chase Millar. This feels good,” he added.
Fifty five horse/rider combinations started the ConocoPhillips Canada Cup but only five were able to master the first round course and advance to the jump-off. Course designer Guilherme Jorge (BRA) was satisfied with the result and feels the athletes are now ready for the final test of the Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’, the $100,000 CN Performance Grand Prix. The event goes tomorrow on the Meadows on the Green course and acts as the second leg of the $1 million CN Precision Series. Lauren Hough (USA) is in play for a possible $50,000 bonus should she jump to victory tomorrow.
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