Wellington, Florida – May 03, 2025 – On May 1st, Canadian Olympic champion Eric Lamaze (CAN) secured a significant legal victory as the Fourth District Court of Appeal of Florida overturned a default judgment that had ordered him to pay over $1.4 million. The ruling is a landmark decision in favor of the fundamental right to a fair trial.
The default judgment had been issued in November 2023 by the Palm Beach County Circuit Court in a case brought by former investors involving the co-ownership of two competition horses. On appeal, the court found that the judgment violated Lamaze’s constitutional right to a fair defense, particularly noting that the ruling was made on the very day his legal counsel was formally withdrawn —leaving him without reasonable time to appoint new representation.
On appeal, the court found that the judgment violated Lamaze’s constitutional right to a fair defense, particularly noting that the ruling was made on the very day his legal counsel was officially withdrawn—leaving him without reasonable time to appoint new representation.
In a concurring opinion, Judge Mark W. Klingensmith went further, stating that even the claim of “fraud upon the court”—used in the original ruling—did not warrant such a severe sanction. He argued that, even if the alleged misconduct were true, it would have merely justified a postponement of a hearing, not the exclusion of Lamaze’s defense from the case.
Reminder
The dispute pits Eric Lamaze against two investors, Lorna Guthrie and Jeffrey Brandmaier, over the sale of two sport horses. Convicted in absentia while facing serious health problems and complex legal difficulties, Lamaze had his accounts and other assets frozen, lost his horses, and his reputation was severely damaged.
A horse at the heart of the debate… becomes French champion
At the heart of the case are two horses, including the mare Nikka VD Bisschop, which the plaintiffs claim was overvalued. Since then, she has not only helped Canada qualify for the Pan American Games in Santiago but has also just been crowned 2025 French champion in Fontainebleau with French rider Nina Mallevaey (FRA). This sporting success contradicts any suggestion of wrongdoing.
Back to Square One… and Back to the Truth
This decision effectively resets the legal process. The case will now proceed on its merits in an adversarial process, restoring Eric Lamaze’s right to a hearing. It is worth recalling that two earlier judgments in this matter had ruled in his favor before his ability to defend himself was stripped under questionable circumstances.
He now admits that the court received inaccurate medical certificates during that confusing period. These documents were subsequently submitted—out of context—to the American proceedings (as well as to the FEI) by a Canadian lawyer who obtained them from his assistant without his knowledge. This was a serious error, for which he accepts responsibility, but it should not justify the deprivation of his fundamental right to a fair defense —as the Court of Appeal has now recognized.
Currently, in an active phase of personal and professional reconstruction, Eric Lamaze has notably stayed in a rest home before resuming coaching activities and returning to riding. He aspires to make a positive change while also correcting any misconceptions.
To read the full decision of the Florida Court of Appeal: https://www.law360.com/articles/2332716/fla-panel-reverses-default-judgment-in-prized-horses-suit
PS – Aziz case: Following the article published by Toronto Life on February 4, 2025 and the right-of-reply issued by the Aziz family’s lawyers, Éric Lamaze would like to set the record straight regarding the inaccuracies contained in these two texts by referring to the press release dated 29 October 2024 and downloading the clarifications via this link.
Source: Press Release from Agence R&B Presse
Photo: © Agence R&B Presse
