Allen reaches sixth place in world show jumping rankings

IRELAND’S Bertram Allen has reached sixth place in the world show jumping rankings, according to the latest figures released by the sport’s world governing body today (Thursday).

The 20 year-old from Wexford was formerly in seventh position but his international successes during November have again lifted him one place.

Allen first entered the elite world top 20 in November of last year, but managed to break into the top ten rankings just four months later, and has remained there ever since, twice achieving fifth place.

Ireland now has seven riders in the official World Top 100 of the Longines World Show Jumping Rankings, in which over 2,000 international riders are monitored each month, with points awarded for top performances at major shows.

Behind Allen in today’s rankings, Tipperary’s Denis Lynch is in 27th place, with Down’s Conor Swail just below him in 31st, while US-based Darragh Kenny is in 59th place.

Meath’s Cian O’Connor has improved to 66th place, while Cork’s Billy Twomey is in 91st, and Florida-based Cork rider Shane Sweetnam in 93rd.

Kilkenny rider Richie Moloney is hovering just outside the top 100 in 102nd place, with Mayo’s Cameron Hanley also poised to break through, currently in 105th place.

Current leader in the Longines World Show Jumping rankings is Britain’s Scott Brash, with the USA’s Kent Farrington in second place, and France’s Pénélope Leprevost in third.

The rankings are published by the world governing body for the sport, the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Bertram Allen and Molly Malone V