Kate Derwin and Harry Allen scoop Grand Prix victories on superb weekend for Irish Youth riders in France

Just 48 hours after helping Ireland win the U18 (Junior) Nations Cup at Fontainebleau in France, Athlone’s Kate Derwin and Wexford’s Harry Allen have claimed two major Grand Prix wins at the same venue.

Riding The Irish Sport Horse Ahg Whiterock Cruise Down, Kate Derwin was one of just seven riders who managed to jump clear in the opening round of the U18 (Junior) 1m40 Grand Prix. Another clear against the clock in a time of 32.24 seconds saw Derwin take the winners prize – finishing over a second ahead of French runner-up Antoine Ermann.

Harry Allen and Dancing Queen Z

The Irish also proved unbeatable in the U25 Grand Prix, with Harry Allen guiding Dancing Queen Z to the top of the standings. Seven combinations made it into the jump-off and a clear round against the clock in 38.49 saw Allen take victory by over two seconds. Kate Derwin was again in the prizes when finishing fourth with Luidam de La Cruise (ISH).

The U14 (COH) Grand Prix saw another impressive Irish performance, with Matthew Conlon and Bally Kingdom Clover (ISH) finishing fourth.

On Friday in Fontainebleau, James Kernan’s Irish team of Harry Allen, Kate Derwin, Sean Foley and Jennfier Keuhnle scored a comprehensive win in the U18 Nations Cup.