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Lamaze, Fine Lady, claim Grand Prix win at Spruce Meadows tournament

Jun 17, 2018 | 5:35 PM

CALGARY — Eric Lamaze and Fine Lady won a $385,000 Grand Prix on Sunday at the Spruce Meadows Continental tournament.

Lamaze and the 15-year-old Hanoverian mare claimed bronze together at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The duo was among seven horse-and-rider pairings to jump clear and head to a jump-off Sunday in Calgary.

Lamaze posted the fastest time in the jump-off to win the class in 43.33 seconds, just ahead of runner-up Lucy Deslauriers of the United States in 43.66.

Lamaze’s Torrey Pines Stable and Andy and Carlene Ziegler of Artisan Farms co-own Fine Lady.

Lamaze won individual show jumping gold and team silver with the late Hickstead at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing

Lamaze’s victory Sunday was his third in as many days at Spruce Meadows.

The 50-year-old from Montreal claimed Saturday’s $70,200 Canadian Utilities Cup aboard Saura de Fondcombe and captured Friday’s $131,600 Scotiabank Cup with Chacco Kid.

The Continental Cup is the second in a series of summer tournaments at Spruce Meadows.

“In a year when there is a world championship, there is no better place to prepare than the Spruce Meadows Summer Series,” Lamaze said in a statement.

“It makes you a better rider. This Summer Series serves us on many levels. It’s good for developing younger horses and younger riders and it also prepares more experienced combinations for major championships.”

Lamaze is the all-time leader in prize money won at Spruce Meadows, having raked in more than $3 million during his career.

The Canadian Press