Release date: 08/11/2011 |    

The world of show jumping is mourning the loss of a true superstar following the sudden death of reigning Olympic champion horse Hickstead on Sunday.

 Eric Lamaze’s legendary stallion collapsed and died in the arena moments after completing his round during the FEI World Cup in Verona, Italy. Attempts to revive the 15-year-old Dutch stallion failed and it is believed he may have suffered a heart attack, according to a spokesman for Canadian champion rider Mr Lamaze.

 As a mark of respect to Hickstead and Mr Lamaze, riders at the World Cup event asked for  the competition to be stopped. Instead, they gathered in the arena, many in tears, for a minute’s silence in tribute to the extraordinary horse who won Olympic individual gold and team silver with Mr Lamaze in 2008.

In a statement Mr Lamaze said: “We finished our round, I circled and was leaving the ring and he collapsed and died. It is the most tragic thing that has ever happened. We had him until he was 15 and we had a great time together. He was the best horse in the world. We are all devestated.”

Tributes to Hickstead began pouring in from around the world as news of his sudden death spread.

 FEI president HRH Princess Haya said: “Hickstead really was a horse in a million and my heart goes out to Eric and everyone connected with this wonderful horse. This is a terrible loss, but Hickstead truly will never be forgotten. We were very lucky to have known him.”

Global Champions Tour President Jan Tops said: “Hickstead was one of the greatest horses ever in the history of show jumping and you saw the great respect he had from all the riders when they decided the World Cup event should not go on after such a tragedy.”

Mr Lamaze competed at a number of GCT events and rode Hickstead in Valkenswaard this year but decided not to jump him in the Grand Prix due to the extremely wet conditions. As other riders have commented, he always looked out for the welfare of his horse.

Mr Lamaze and Hickstead were an unbeatable duo and as well as Olympic gold in 2008 they won bronze after jumping four clear rounds at the 2010 World Equestrian Games and countless Grand Prix and Nations Cup events worldwide. Their last major triumph was in September at the Spruce Meadows Masters near Calgary when they became two-time winners of the $1 million CN International.

An autopsy to determine the cause of death will be held over the next few days.

Photos; Hickstead and Eric Lamaze at the GCT Valkenswaard 2011.

Photos taken by Stefano Grasso/GCT