Bertram Allen and Hector storm to runner-up finish in Rome’s €350,000 Rolex Grand Prix

Wexford’s Bertram Allen has recorded one of his best results of the season, taking runner-up spot in today’s (Sunday) €350,000 five-star Rolex Grand Prix at the Italian Nations Cup show held in the Piazza Di Siena, Rome.

Rolex testimonee Bertram Allen and Hector finished second in the Rolex Grand Prix of Rome

Riding the 11-year-old stallion Hector Van D’Abdijhoeve, owned by Noel Delahunty, Allen was one of 13 riders who made it into the second round jump-off which also included Mayo’s Michael G Duffy with The Irish Sport Horse Lapuccino. Duffy would go on to finish 10th after finishing with one fence down against the clock in 50.40 seconds.

Watch Bertram Allen and Hector’s jump-off round from the Rome Rolex Grand Prix

Allen and Hector had the plum draw as last to go and were chasing a target of clear in 45.37 which had been set by Italy’s Lorenzo De Luca with Halifax Van Het Kluizebos.

A brilliant effort from the Irish pair saw them jump clear and crossed the line in 45.97, fractionally behind De Luca who lifted the winners trophy in front of his home fans. Bertram Allen’s runner-up finish saw him pocket €70,000 in what was a fitting result for the Wexford rider who is also a Rolex testimonee.