TEENAGER ALLEN GRABS DUBLIN GRAND PRIX VICTORY FOR IRELAND

DESPITE being up against some of the world’s best horses and riders, Wexford’s Bertram Allen, who turned just 19 earlier this month, romped home in first place in the prestigious Longines Grand Prix at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show this afternoon (Sunday).

Tension mounted in the main arena when Allen and Ballywalter Farms’s grey mare Molly Malone V became the only Irish combination to make it through to the eight horse jump-off, and though they subsequently set the fastest time of the final round, the home crowd was on edge as last man in, the celebrated Canadian rider Ian Millar and his 11 year-old gelding Dixson attempted to snatch the Longines trophy with a swifter finish.

However, not only did Millar and Dixson fail to match Allen’s time, they also had one fence down for four faults, relegating them to sixth overall.

A delighted Bertram Allen, who had shown form earlier this week with his clear round in the Aga Khan Trophy, also with Molly Malone, picked up the winner’s cheque of 66,000 euro.

The runner-up prize of 40,000 euro went to the USA’s Kent Farrington and the 13 year-old gelding Uceko, while France’s Timothée Anciaume with Padock du Plessis*Hn received 25,000 euro for third place.

Ireland’s Thomas Ryan placed tenth in the Grand Prix aboard the grey gelding Caribo, being the fastest of the first round four-vaulters, while Conor Swail slotted Lansdowne into 11th, also on four faults.

Forty international riders and horses took part in the competition, which was the last international class of this year’s Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show.

Mayo’s Cameron Hanley received the show’s Top International Rider award.

Bertram Allen and Molly Malone V