ALLEN SECOND AT ZURICH, QUALIFIES FOR WORLD CUP FINAL

BERTRAM Allen took second place at the prestigious Longines World Cup Grand Prix in Zurich this afternoon (Sunday), and gained enough points to qualify for the 2014/2015 World Cup Final in the USA in April.

The 19 year-old Wexford rider was one of just seven to make the jump-off  at the Swiss show from a strong international field of 40 combinations, his clear round on Ballywalter Farms’s mare Molly Malone V a textbook display of horsemanship.

In the jump-off Allen took the lead with four more riders left to jump, and only one – Spain’s Sergio Alvarez Moya – managed to overtake the Irish teenager, shaving a tenth of a second off his time with the 14 year-old gelding Carlo.

Ireland’s Show Jumping Manager Robert Splaine said afterwards from Zurich: ” Today was a remarkable achievement for young Bertram Allen. He not only came second against the very best in the world, but also achieved enough points to ensure his qualification for the World Cup Final at Las Vegas. He is an outstanding talent, and an outstanding ambassador for both his country and for the sport.”

Horse Sport Ireland chairman Pat Wall added: “This young man seems unstoppable. His meteoric rise is a great example to all up-and-coming riders in Ireland.”

Allen started his World Cup campaign rolling late last year in Verona, Italy, with a win in his first ever attempt at this level, again with the grey mare Molly Malone V.

As well as the valuable points gained in Switzerland this afternoon, Allen was also rewarded with prize money of 37,000 euro for his runner-up place. Winner Alvarez Moya collected 90,000 euro.

Bertram Allen and Molly Malone V