Source:  News Release

 

 

HOMEWARD BOUND

(SPRUCE MEADOWS, Calgary, AB): The 2011 Spruce Meadows “Masters” is in the history books and today 62 horses will board the Spruce Meadows Boeing 747 Charter destined for Frankfurt. From there this equine passenger load made up of some of world’s best show jumpers will disperse to their respective home stables throughout Europe and the Middle East for a well-earned rest.

The remaining “Masters” horses depart by ground and on other charter flights over the next two days, including Eric Lamaze’s Hickstead , champion of the $ 1 million CN International.
Sunday’s perfect day for Hickstead in the CN “International” highlighted a perfect week for the 15-year-old stallion and his world # 1 ranked rider. The pair did not have a rail through the entire Spruce Meadows “Masters” to ensure Lamaze stays atop the Rolex FEI World Rankings. For the record “Masters” crowd of 255,204 it was a memorable and historic week of sport.

For Lamaze, the reigning Olympic Champion, the rewards for his week were quite staggering, including $453,000 in prize money and a new Mercedes-Benz for being the leading Canadian rider at the tournament. The six figure addition to Lamaze’s Spruce Meadows resume, brought his career Spruce Meadows’ earnings to $3,356,572. This too firmly established his #1 status at Spruce Meadows ahead of Beezie Madden (USA), and Ian Millar (CAN).