At the Spruce Meadows “North American” Tournament competition heated up on the International Ring on the penultimate day of the Spruce Meadows Summer Tour. The feature event of the day was the two-round $200,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup.
The pressure was on for American Lauren Hough who was in play for a $50,000 bonus in the CN Precision Series. Hough had won the first leg, the CN Reliability Grand Prix during the Spruce Meadows “National” Tournament and needed to win the ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup to win the bonus. The pressure proved too much as Hough finished in 6th place.
Not daunted by pressure was Canadian Eric Lamaze who managed the only double clear of the afternoon. Lamaze rode his stallion Hickstead to victory in the demanding competition. With a winner’s cheque in his pocket Lamaze spoke of his win, “I’m fortunate to be riding one of the best horses in the world at the best venue. It’s very special. Hickstead has had one rail in 16 events during the Spruce Meadows Summer Tour. He’s incredible.”
The top ten of the ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth Cup each showed their exceptional horsemanship in completing a difficult course set by Stephen G. Renouard (GBR).
ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup Top 10
1- Eric Lamaze (CAN) Hickstead
2- Federico Fernandez (MEX) Bohemio
3- Mandy Porter (USA) Summer
4- Will Simpson (USA) El Campeons Tosca
5- Antonio Chedraui (MEX) Don Porfirio
6- Lauren Hough (USA) Casadora
7- Kyle King (USA) Capone I
8- Judy Torres (USA) Oliver
9- Norman Dello Joio (USA) Glasgow
10- Mario Deslauriers (CAN) Paradigm
The feature speed event of the afternoon was the $75,000 Canada Post Cup. The competition is a test of endurance, skill and heart. For Calgarian Jonathan Asselin and his mare Rosita Fly the Canada Post Cup suited them to a “t”. The pair finished clear and fast enough for first with 5 competitors to go. The crowd was at the edge of their seats cheering for the home town favourite. The last rider to go was defending champion Kyle King (USA). After King’s early rail the cheering began for the newly crowned champion of the Canada Post Cup, Jonathan Asselin.
The top ten of the Canada Post Cup included past champions and future hopefuls.
1- Jonathan Asselin (CAN) Rosita Fly
2- Mandy Porter (USA) Enfuego
3- Kyle King (USA) Estival
4- Lauren Hough (USA) Idefix 99
5- Schuyler Riley (USA) Undine
6- Eric Lamaze (CAN) Mayhem
7- Andrea Strain (CAN) Zeline
8- Susan Anderson (CAN) Telegraph
9- Ali Wolff (USA) H & M Necoll
10- Cara Raether (USA) Quilano De Kalvarie
Tomorrows competitions the $75,000 Sun Life Financial ‘Reach for the Sun’ and the $175,000 Chrysler Classic begin in the Spruce Meadows International Ring at 11:00 am.
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