Lamaze wins gold medal in individual show jumping
Thursday, 21 Aug 2008 21:17
Eric Lamaze kept his nerve to claim the gold medal
Canadian Eric Lamaze has claimed the gold medal in the individual show jumping event after winning a tense jump-off against Sweden's Rolf-Goran Bengtsson in Hong Kong.
Lamaze and Bengtsson were the only riders to manage double clear rounds, but Lamaze won the gold after Bengtsson failed to clear the final fence in the jump-off.
Beezie Madden of America won the bronze medal after he also won a jump-off which involved seven other riders.
Tim Stockdale from Great Britain finished in 16th place, while compatriot Ben Maher could only manage 20th position.
"It was one round too many for her," said Maher, who rode Corlato. "She jumped the first round fantastic but in warm-up I just sensed she didn't really feel she wanted to go again.
"She wasn't the same horse in that round. It is disappointing, but that is the way it goes.
"I came here looking to win, otherwise there is no point taking part in the Olympics, but I am pleased with how I have done."