Bertram Allen delighted with Christy Jnr following St. Patrick’s Day win in Paris

Wexford’s Bertram Allen and Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander combined to win the pairs competition on St. Patrick’s Day at the stunning Grand Palais in Paris, France – sharing the winners prize of over €53,000.

Bertram Allen and Edwina Tops-Alexander on their victory lap at the Grand Palais

The couple were leading after the first round with two clear rounds – Allen riding the nine-year-old gelding Christy Jnr, while Tops-Alexander was aboard the mare Lintea Tequila. Tops-Alexander went clear again in the second round while Allen completed the course with just one fence down which was enough to give them victory.

“It went right down to the wire,” Allen said. “Edwina made my job easier by doing two clear rounds. I knew I could only afford to make one mistake if we wanted to win so I am really happy. What’s more, my nine-year-old horse is still a novice at this level of competition. He is still learning, so I am really happy with him.”

Sweden’s Malin Baryard-Johnsson and French rider Kevin Staut finished as runner-up, while the all French pairing of Margaux Bost and Cedric Angot took third place.

Bertram Allen will bid for further glory in today’s Hermès Grand Prix in Paris where he rides Molly Malone, while Tipperary’s Denis Lynch is also among the starters with the stallion Van Helsing.