Eric Lamaze wins in Wellington on Numero Uno daughter Take Off

Wellington, Florida – Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze of Schomberg, ON, earned his second major show jumping victory of the 2009 season by winning the $30,000 WEF Challenge Cup held on Thursday, February 5, in Wellington, Florida.
The $30,000 WEF Challenge Cup is held each Thursday during the 12-week FTI Winter Equestrian Festival where the best show jumping athletes in the world come to compete.  Lamaze, who won during week three riding Narcotique de Muze II, returned to the winner’s circle during week five, this time riding Take Off  a daughter of the well-known Dutch KWPN stallion Numero Uno.

As only the fourth rider to attempt the shortened jump-off track, Lamaze took risks to stop the clock in 34.87 seconds.  His time would prove to be unbeatable with American Olympian Lauren Hough coming closest, stopping the timers in 35.20 seconds riding Quick Study.  2004 Olympic Champion Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil placed third with a time of 36.44 seconds riding Rufus.

“She is really competitive, and she is not even a seasoned grand prix horse yet,” said Lamaze, who collected $9,000 US for the win.  “She is doing great things from her instinct and her talent.  She is really careful, and she jumped amazing!”