January 26, 2018 
Another week, another WEF Challenge Cup win for Eric Lamaze.
The three-time Olympic medalist from Canada beat 85 entries to capture the $35,000 Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup III for the 25th time. (Or 27th time, depending on whose stats are correct**.)
Whatever the number, he’s astoundingly consistent.
This week, it was Chacco Kid leading the victory gallop with Lamaze. The 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding, who also won the class in Week 2, crossed the timers in a lightning 40.02 seconds.
“Chacco Kid is learning to go fast,” said the world number nine ranked rider.
“Last year I didn’t really take any chances with him in the jump-off. This is a lesson to get to know your horse and to take some chances. This was a good 1.50m, so the jumps were up there, but still, you have to get to know your horse. If you’re ever in a situation that it’s the largest prize money or the biggest competition in the world, you’re going to feel better taking some risks, knowing that you’ve done it before.”
Of the 27 combinations to qualify for the jump off, 17 returned. For Lamaze, saving his horse for the Saturday night grand prix wasn’t even a consideration.
“It’s the beginning of the season,” he explained. “The horses are fresh. He feels really good. He’s jumping well. Nothing is telling me that I should have saved him for Saturday. I have a superstition about that. I feel it’s bad luck.”
Second place went to Sunday’s 1.45m Classic winners, Marilyn Little (USA) and Clearwater with a time of 41.37 seconds. Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden (USA) HHS Hercules took third in 42.28 seconds.
*For what feels like the 1000th time
**The latest report, as of March 9, 2018, puts Lamaze at 27 wins in the class.
