Eighteen year-old Wexford native Bertram Allen yesterday (Sunday) triumphed in the five-star Príncipe de Asturias jump-off competition in Gijon, Spain, aboard Ballywalter Farms’s grey mare Molly Malone V.
A huge 18 horse jump-off from a starting field of 56 saw the Irish teenager challenged by some of the world’s top riders, but his time of 44.60 proved unbeatable in what was a qualifier for Monday’s Grand Prix.
Taking home 18,800 euro for his win, Allen will also add the trophy awarded to the best Young Rider in the class.
Ireland’s show jumping manager Robert Splaine said from the Spanish arena tonight: “This is another major achievement for this talented young man.”
European Eventing: Malmo 2013
Meanwhile at the European Eventing Championships in Malmo Sweden, the Irish team, which had been dogged by withdrawals just before the competition, finished a creditable seventh of ten nations, with three riders in the top 35 individually from a starting field of 61.
Top finisher of the Irish contingent was Carlow’s Sam Watson, who placed 21st on Horseware Bushman, while Clare Abbott with Euro Prince and Jim Newsam on Magennis – both making their championship debuts – finished 29th and 32nd respectively.
The championships were won by Germany, with Sweden second and France third. Germany’s Michael Jung is the new individual European eventing champion. He is the first rider in history to hold Olympic, World and European titles simultaneously.
