Latest from Horse & Hound in Bertram-allen

Irish showjumping team confirmed – and strong contenders for World Championships medals

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:09:30 +0000

The Irish showjumping team for the World Championships next month boasts “proven championship and Olympic experience as well as outstanding recent form”.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) high performance jumping manager Jessica Kürten has confirmed the horses and riders who will be travelling to Aachen “aiming to build on a successful season on the international stage”.

Ireland finished a whisker off the team podium at last year’s European Championships, and the 2022 worlds, but won silver in Milan at the 2023 Europeans, and this team includes riders and horses from these recent successes.

The Irish showjumping team World Championships:

Bertram Allen and Qonquest De Rigo were on the European team that finished fourth last year – and second at the LLN final shortly afterwards – and they go to Aachen on good recent form. Their 2026 started with good results at four- and five-star level in the US and has continued in the same vein, including a double jumping clear in the CSI5* La Baule Nations Cup and fifth place in the Rolex grand prix that weekend.

Darragh Kenny said after he and Eddy Blue won the London World Cup leg in 2024 that this may be one of the best horses he’s ridden. He proved why, as they went on to be on the fourth-placed team at the Europeans the next summer, and have since won and been placed at four-and five-star level including a CSI5* US grand prix in March.

Team stalwart Cian O’Connor is selected with relatively new ride Chatolinue PS; he took the reins last October, but they finished on a CSI5* podium in Geneva, and in the London World Cup leg, two months later. They have jumped on five-star Nations Cups this year, including a double clear in the US, and finished fourth in the La Baule grand prix.

Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz were on the Irish team that won European silver in 2023, and they are selected for Aachen straight after Shane’s first five-star win, in the Falsterbo grand prix last weekend. They had been knocking at the door for months though, securing second and third places at this level, jumped LLN double clear and finishing seventh in the Aachen grand prix.

Travelling reserves

The travelling reserves are Denis Lynch and British-bred Vistogrand, who were also on the European team last year, having represented Ireland as individuals in 2023. The powerful stallion’s early promise has developed into a top talent showing consistent form at the top level. Recent results include top-10 finishes at CSI5* level in Rome.

Daniel Coyle with Gisbourne VDL and Jordan Coyle with Chaccolino are the non-travelling reserves.

“The selected squad heads to Aachen on the back of an outstanding run of performances at the highest level of international jumping,” an HSI spokesperson said. “The reserve combinations further underline the current depth in Irish jumping.”

Jessica said this is a strong Irish showjumping team that will be leading contenders at the World Championships.

“I’m excited to go to Aachen with outstanding riders and fantastic horses,” she said. “My thanks go to their owners and their grooms, who have put so much work into this journey to the championships.”

The Irish showjumping team for the World Championships:

Bertram Allen with 10-year-old gelding Qonquest De Rigo

Owner: Aloha Stables

Breeder: U Goossens

Breeding: by Fantomas De Muze, out of a mare by VDL Indoctro

Groom: Lovisa Munter

Darragh Kenny with 14-year-old gelding Eddy Blue

Owner: Carol Sollak

Breeder: Gestut Lewitz

Breeding: by Eldorado VD Zeshoek TN, out of a mare by Chacco-Blue

Groom: Shauna Murray

Cian O’Connor with 13-year-old gelding Chatolinue PS

Owner: Karlswood Partners

Breeder: Gestut Lewitz

Breeding: by Diablo Blanco, out of a mare by Stakkatol

Groom: Johanna Berg

Shane Sweetnam with 13-year-old James Kann Cruz

Owner: Gizmo Partners

Breeder: Patrick Connolly

Breeding: by Kannan, out of a mare by Cruising

Groom: Maria Israelsson

Travelling reserve

Denis Lynch with 13-year-old stallion Vistogrand

Owners: Tipperary’s Finest Est and rider

Breeder: Carron Nicol

Breeding: by Fantaland, out of a mare by Vistoland

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‘It was a risk to bring her’: mare turns form around to soar to the top on opening day of European Showjumping Championships

Becky Murray — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 18:31:14 +0000

A risk paid off for Daniel Coyle as he sits in the top spot with Legacy at the end of the opening day of the Longines FEI European Showjumping Championships.

Daniel and the superstar mare, whom he owns with Ariel Grange, were the fourth Irish combination to jump and the pair soared into the lead.

Daniel and 15-year-old Legacy are competing for Ireland as individuals, but owing to recent form Daniel said it had been “a risk” to take the experienced mare to Spain.

“I said to Michael Blake I think she will be good here, but it was a risk to bring her, even as an individual because her form hasn’t been great. She’s had a fence down here or there,” said Daniel.

“After the Paris Olympics she did nothing, then she was double clear at Barcelona at the Nations Cup Final and was brilliant there. She had a huge break after that, which she deserved. We’re now trying to pick and choose what is the right thing to do with her.”

Daniel said with this in mind, he might not continue throughout the competition.

“Unless we’re in gold medal position all the way, she’s already done all these championships and I want to try and see whatever is still in there for the next thing. If it’s not possible for a medal we will drop out,” he said.

Daniel said jumping as an individual means that “you have to take risks”.

“When it’s for the team, yes, you go as quick as you can, but you’re a little more careful, because you don’t want to waste it for the team as well. So it’s a bit easier for me,” he said.

“It was a good course, it was not overly big and for the first day of the championships, I think it’s right on.”

Ireland’s team performance at the European Showjumping Championships

Denis Lynch got Ireland’s team hopes off to a good start with a clear aboard 12-year-old Vistogrand, whom he owns with Tipperary’s Finest Est. They sit 20th at the end of the opening day.

“The horse has always been a very, very good horse for us, since 2023 he’s been part of a winning team. He did exactly what we thought he was going to do and he was nice and relaxed,” he said.

“We didn’t want to do the inside turnback into the wall today, we just wanted to get a nice run under his belt and I think he came out of there feeling very good.”

Seamus Hughes Kennedy also posted a clear, with his family’s ESI Rocky, on the pair’s senior championship debut, to lie in 18th.

“It’s good to get the first day out of the way,” said Seamus.

“Rocky was very good, sometimes to go quick the first day is a bit different to what I’m used to with him, I’d usually try to keep him altogether but I thought I was able to move him up enough. I think Santiago did a fantastic job with the course and I think Rocky handled it all very well.”

Betram Allen was third to jump for the team with Qonquest de Rigo, and came home with four-faults having knocked the big orange upright at fence 10. They sit in 49th.

Bertram described it as “a bit of a ropey start”, putting the mistake down to Qonquest de Rigo’s inexperience in one-round speed classes.

“It didn’t go as smooth as I’d have liked. I knew I was going to struggle a bit today. But he’s jumping fantastic, and hopefully he can do a good job over the next two days,” said Bertram.

“He’s jumping great but just sometimes struggled a little bit of connection. He’s a green horse, and there’s no hiding place in there with 14 jumps and everything, so you need to be on it everywhere. We were just one tick away from it today.”

Qonquest de Rigo is still a relatively new horse for Bertram, he took on the ride from Tom Verduyn in October 2024.

“I saw him as an eight-year-old last year jumping a national class in Belgium and we bought him. We took our time and then he really stepped up in Florida this year and got a bit of experience jumping some grands prix,” he said.

“He’s been very good since Florida, this is obviously a whole different step again. But we have a great team feeling, everybody is pulling together. The two boys are great, and Daniel has gone into the lead so the vibe is good.”

Darragh Kennedy was last to go for Ireland with Carol Sollak’s 13-year-old gelding Eddy Blue. The pair knocked the same fence of Bertram and Qonquest de Rigo, when they appeared to have a miscommunication on take-off. They lie in 37th at the conclusion of the opening day of the European Showjumping Championships.

The scores will now be converted into penalties ahead of the first round of the team competition tomorrow. The top 10 teams and top 50 individuals will jump on Friday, when the team medals will be decided, and the top 25 will contest the individual final on Sunday.

To stay up to date with all the news from the European Showjumping Championships as it happens, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website today from just £1 a week. Our reporter Eleanor Jones will be on site throughout

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

‘He’s a special character’: Olympic horse returns to the top level with a win a year after injury

Becky Murray — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:37:50 +0000

Showjumper Bertram Allen’s Tokyo Olympic ride Pacino Amiro has returned to his best with a win at the top level after he was sidelined to injury.

Bertram and the 13-year-old Irish sport horse gelding, known at home as Buddy, beat 34 combinations to win a 1.50m class on Saturday (21 June) at the Rotterdam CSIO5* Longines League of Nations. The competition is Pacino Amiro’s first five-star appearance since CHIO Aachen last July, where he and Bertram helped Ireland win the Nations Cup leg.

Following Aachen the pair were named travelling reserves for the Irish team at the Paris Olympics, but Buddy picked up an injury, ruling them out. They returned to international competition at Kronenberg in April and have been building back up.

“We’ve been spending a lot of time getting him going again, getting him fit, and we’re very lucky to have such good grooms, vets and farriers. Everybody put a lot of effort into him,” said Bertram.

“He just has a fantastic mind. This is the first time we tried to win something in a year and he responds and fights with you, so it makes it fun. I had this feeling that it’s the right time.”

Bertram opted to jump in the 1.50m class, rather than the Rotterdam 1.60m grand prix, believing “maybe it was one show too early”.

“He’s obviously a great horse and has a lot of great results but he’s a special character and I’m very fond of him. Everybody that looks after him really likes him. He’s just a really friendly, nice horse,” he said.

Bertram and Buddy were part of the Irish team at the Tokyo Olympics, where they finished 15th individually, and the 2022 World Championships, where Ireland was fourth. The pair have enjoyed top placings and wins around the world including Spruce Meadows, Canada, Wellington, Florida and Stockholm.

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Change to Irish squad for Paris Olympics as rider withdraws

Pippa Roome — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 17:02:23 +0000

Bertram Allen has withdrawn Pacino Amiro from the Irish showjumping squad for the Paris Olympics due to a “minor injury”.

The pair were due to take the alternate spot in France for the Olympic showjumping competition next month.

“I’m saddened to share that Buddy (Pacino Amiro) has a minor injury and won’t be able to compete in the Paris Olympics. I was so looking forward to our second Olympics together, but Buddy’s recovery is our top priority,” said Bertram.

“I wish the entire Irish team great success in Paris. They’re stronger than ever and ready to achieve amazing things.”

It has not yet been confirmed who will replace Bertram Allen and Pacino Amiro on the Paris Olympics squad.

Bertram, who is ranked number 54 in the world, and the 12-year-old by Pacino, owned by Ballywalter Stables Ltd, were on the Irish team at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

They were on the team that won the Aachen Nation’s Cup this month, and the Spruce Meadows Nation’s Cup last year, and came fourth in the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Super Grand Prix. Other recent successes include winning the LGCT grand prix at La Coruña last year.

They also helped the Irish team to fourth place in the 2022 World Championships in Herning, the result which secured Ireland’s qualification for the Paris Olympics.

The Irish showjumping team for the upcoming Olympics consists of Daniel Coyle with Legacy, Cian O’Connor with Maurice and Shane Sweetnam with James Kann Cruz.

To stay up-to-date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Royal International Horse Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Grand prix jumping stallion sells for €2.3 million at auction to join young rider

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 07 May 2024 16:30:42 +0000

The top lot at this week’s Aloga showjumping horse auction in Belgium was 10-year-old grand prix stallion Dark Chocolate, who was sold for €2.3million (£1,975,000) for a student of Cian O’Connor.

Dark Chocolate (Casall x Acodetto I) has been ridden and produced by Ireland’s Denis Lynch for the past few years, being crowned the leading eight-year-old in the seven- and eight-year-old final at Dublin Horse Show in 2022 before going on to record plenty of good placings at five-star level including the London International, Barcelona, Basel and St Gallen.

The stallion was one of 19 quality showjumpers to go under the hammer on Monday 6 May at the latest Aloga Auction, established by Irish showjumping brothers Bertram Allen and Harry Allen, and fellow showjumper Maxi Lill, held at Sentower Park.

€2.3million horse auction purchase: championship ambitions

Cian O’Connor told H&H that the top lot was bought for one of his European-based students.

“The plan is to develop her to the young rider European Championships this year,” said Cian, who recently had two top horses secured for him thanks to investment by a British buyer as the Paris Olympics approach.

Denis paid tribute to a “class horse”, who he’s enjoyed producing over the past three years.

“One of the early highlights of our time together was jumping clear at Olympia grand prix, which is a really good character test,” he told H&H. “He won the eight-year-old finals at Leipzig World Cup Finals, then we took it easy for a bit before stepping him up and in his first big test he was clear in the World Cup in Madrid. He’s been jumping clears again as a 10-year-old – the whole way through, every time you asked him, he always stepped up.

“His new rider is very talented, she gave him a beautiful trial, the horse loved her and they really clicked together, which is fantastic, so hopefully they’ll go on well together.”

Three lots from Monday’s auction made in excess of €1,000,000 with two other beautifully bred stallions completing the trio. The second highest-priced lot of the night was Ballywalter Stables’ exciting six-year-old stallion Nikora TSH (Aganix Du Seigneur x Unaniem), who has been competed by Harry Allen and went under the hammer for €1.9million, and the nine-year-old stallion Kiritan (Kannan GFE x For Ever Jump) who has been jumping to CSI3* with Maxi Lill and sold for €1.7million.

Harry Charles enjoys ‘one of the best shows of my career’ and a treble clear helps Great Britain celebrate

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 16:38:58 +0000

What a bumper selection of showjumping news we have to bring you this week! From Harry Charles coming oh, so close to winning just about everything at the Stuttgart German Masters, to the dazzling spectacle of the Global Champions Playoffs in Prague, a World Cup jackpot in Las Vegas and an outstanding British Nations Cup success, we didn’t know where to look – it was a weekend packed full of epic sport.

Want to find out who won what and where? Then read on for this week’s round-up of international showjumping news and results.

Showjumping news: ‘One of the best shows of my career’

British showjumping star Harry Charles enjoyed a winning double, narrowly missing out on an outstanding four-timer, at the CSI5* Stuttgart German Masters. With the speedy Billabong Du Roumois, the 24-year-old finished second in the opening speed class, following up with a convincing 1.55m victory the next day. Later that night, he triumphed with Ann Thompson’s Aralyn Blue in the 1.55m Stuttgart German Master, sealing the week with a runner-up spot on Casquo Blue in Sunday’s Longines FEI World Cup qualifier behind Kevin Staut (Beau De Laubry Z).

“This has been one of the best shows of my career and it’s one of those weeks that doesn’t happen very often in this sport,” said Harry, who finished just 0.14sec slower than his French rival in the World Cup. “I didn’t quite think I could catch Kevin – Casquo isn’t the fastest horse – but when you have a crowd like this behind you, you give it everything and my horse gave it everything as well. It was so close, but it feels like a win anyway!

“It’s amazing what Casquo can do with his body, how athletic he is, and today he had a bit of speed in him as well,” added Harry, crediting the brilliant team around him for “letting me have weekends like this”.

“On Friday, to become the German Master was a pretty cool title. I would have loved to have won the World Cup, too, but maybe I’ll come back next year and try again!”

Stuttgart German Masters results

A dazzling win for super Epaillard and a round of ‘pure joy’ for von Eckermann

Amid pyrotechnics, lights and big-stadium atmosphere at the Global Champions Playoffs in Prague, Czechia, Julien Epaillard was the star of the show in Saturday night’s €1.26m Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Super Grand Prix, for which riders qualified at each of the season’s grands prix. Two technical rounds of jumping set by Uliano Vezzani resulted in no double clears so the flying Frenchman won with chestnut mare Dubai Du Cedre as the quickest four-faulter, just tapping out fence three in a nail-biting second round.

“I had my plan and I was disappointed with the fault,” said Julien. “I saw Henrik von Eckermann’s round on King Edward and my mare is very different – she has a smaller stride – so I couldn’t do the same plan as him. I still had a lot of delicate fences to jump and two good riders following me, so I felt the pressure.

“I don’t have all the comfort with her, she’s a bit special,” he said of the Baloubet Du Rouet x Diamant De Semilly mare. “But she has a lot of blood and she uses that to jump – sometimes with me, sometimes not!

“This is one of my biggest victories, so I’ll enjoy it.”

Julien Epaillard and Dubai Du Cedre of France are crowned Longines Super Grand Prix victors 2023. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Former Super Grand Prix winner Henrik von Eckermann’s second-round clear with King Edward lifted them from seventh to second ahead of third-placed Max Kuhner (Up Too Jacco Blue), but the world number one was disappointed. But he described every round with his brilliant partner King Edward as “pure joy”.

“Every time I go in the ring with him, I try my best because we can only do so many shows,” he said. “So even if I’m second today, a round like that is pure joy, because of the feeling he gives me.”

There were no British riders in contention for this year’s Super Grand Prix, but Ireland’s Bertram Allen and Pacino Amiro soared up to fourth with a superb second-round clear. The top three grooms, Caroline Belouet, Louise Barraud, and Mariella Offner, were also awarded in the prize-giving.

Jodie Hall McAteer and her great mare Hardessa flew the British flag in Saturday’s 1.50m jump-off class, finishing second to Frank Schuttert (Isis), while Sophie Evans (Florida Van Maarle) won a CSI2* speed class.

GC Playoffs results

Showjumping news: Nations Cup glory for Great Britain

In other showjumping news, British rider Mark Edwards continued his excellent run of overseas form by winning the CSI2* grand prix in the Villamoura Champions Tour, Portugal, with Royale Tale. The Welsh rider then became the hero of the Great Britain team when jumping a triple clear on Marlene Edwards’ Flying Tinker II, including a thrilling jump-off performance versus Belgium and USA, to take them to the top of the podium in Sunday’s CSIO3* Nations Cup.

Mark was joined on the podium by Olli Fletcher (Hello William), Adrian Whiteway on Chacco Volo and James Smith riding Tayvale Hunky Dory, and Mark credited “great team spirit all week”.

“I knew what was needed to win and Flying Tinker came out in the jump-off like the little superstar he is,” said Mark, who beat the Belgian challenge by nearly 2sec. “Today’s win makes it all the more special, jumping treble clear on a home-bred.”

Villamoura Champions Tour results

One million less in prize money: ‘the pressure was immense’

The 2023 Global Champions League (GCL) season champions Riesenbeck International followed up with victory in Sunday’s €6.5m GCL Super Cup Final. They were represented in this epic season finale by GCL rider of the year, Christian Kukuk (Checker 47), Eoin McMahon (Mila) and Philipp Weishaupt (Zineday), the latter two securing crucial double clears for the squad. Valkenswaard United agonisingly took second for successive years, with a double clear from Marcus Ehning on Stargold, and just four faults apiece for Great Britain’s John Whitaker (Equine America Unick Du Francport) and Gilles Thomas (Luna Van Het Dennehof).

Eoin McMahon and Mila jump double clear in the Super Cup Final to help Riesenbeck International secure victory. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“One rail down and it was one million less in prize money – the pressure was immense,” said Philipp, the final rider in for Ludger Beerbaum’s GCL team, who threw his hat in delight at securing victory with that vital clear. “As I crossed the line, it all just came out of me – can you imagine you are last in the ring and it’s all in your hands and you deliver it? It’s an amazing feeling and the reason we do the sport.”

GC Super Cup Final results

British rider speeds up her husband’s horse! ‘She’s been a hero’

British showjumper Louise Simpson (Cindy R) won the 1.50m CSI3* grand prix at the Autumn MET II in Oliva Nova, Spain, with Cindy R, a mare previously ridden by her husband David Simpson.

“Cindy R is not the fastest horse and I have only been riding her a few months, so I don’t know her inside out,” said Louise of the Clarimo x Quidam De Revel 11-year-old, bred by Dietmar Rohling, and who was used as a broodmare until three years ago. “She does have a big stride, but I did not think I would be anywhere near fast enough to win!”

Louise Simpson and Cindy R win the CSI3* grand prix at Autumn MET II. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Louise and the chestnut mare triumphed after a 10-way jump-off.

“When there were quite a few clears, I thought ‘Oh God’ – I did not think it was going to be easy,” said Louise.

“We have had her for about a year. She is a huge mare and on paper you would definitely say she’s a guy’s horse. My husband David has been riding her for most of the year, but actually ignoring her size, she is so sweet and easy that I kind of stole her three or four months ago and she’s been a hero.

“The plan was to put me on her to speed her up, so I feel like I’ve done that now.”

Autumn MET results

Showjumping news: Viva Swail in Las Vegas

Irishman Conor Swail hit the World Cup jackpot when winning his first qualifier of the season in Las Vegas riding his great partner, 16-year-old Count Me In. The pair topped a six-way jump-off to take victory after an “up-and-down year” for the gelding.

“I’m lucky that ‘Crosby’ is very quick,” said Conor. “Regardless, he is very careful. We went through a little period where he wasn’t comfortable jumping the bigger fences, so we took a step back. Tonight he felt as good as ever, so I’m really delighted.

“The horse owes me nothing. I think he’s the best horse I’ve ever ridden. He brought me to the World Cup Final, I won at Dublin, he’s brought me incredible days and basically brought me to the top 10 in the world.”

Conor beat his student Vanessa Mannix of Canada riding Lehar into second, but said they remain very good friends.

“Vanessa has been riding great for a number of years now,” he said. “She’s got a nice string of horses at the moment, and it’s fantastic to see her on the podium as well.”

Las Vegas National results

‘It’s just me and my wife doing the grooming’

And finally in this week’s showjumping news round-up, we were impressed with the story behind Irishman Dylan Daly securing victory at the Wellington International Annual Series in Florida. The 26-year-old grabbed the headlines in the CSI3* Flagler Insurance grand prix riding Cinderella Z and there is no expansive team to thank for this enterprising young rider.

“At the moment, it’s just me and my wife doing the grooming ourselves,” said Dylan. “The main thing for me is to spend time with the horse and really build up that team partnership.”

Dylan Daly and Cinderella Z win the Wellington International grand prix. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Picture of the week: What an angle!

We couldn’t finish this week’s showjumping news round-up without mentioning this fantastic image captured by Cassidy Klein of the athletic duo of Brazil’s Luiza Leivas and Novak De Kalvarie. This flying combination took the shortest route of all to win the national grand prix at Wellington International after a five-way jump-off. What a horse!

Luiza Leivas and Novak De Kalvarie en route to winning the national grand prix. © Cassidy Klein (Image credit: creditUnknown)

British grand prix victor needs a scoreboard double-take, grand slam contender stunned and a six-bar flyer

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 18:04:54 +0000

Every once in a while a jump-off leaves you speechless and Sunday’s Rolex grand prix at The Dutch Masters was truly exceptional. The prospect of having another rider continuing their journey for the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping is brilliant news for the sport.

Elsewhere, we watched Irish riders clear 1.85m in a Spanish six-bar and win a Dubai grand prix, while Great Britain’s James Smith continued his simply astounding run with grand prix victory on the Sunshine Tour. Here is your weekly round-up of international showjumping news and results.

Fifty shades of scopey

Irish showjumper Ciaran Nallon rode the nine-year-old Fifty Shades Of Grey (pictured, main image) over a 1.85m final fence to win the six-bar on the Andalucia Sunshine Tour. Thirteen combinations lined up but the Irish duo were the only faultless performers after the fourth round. At the show, British rider Matt Sampson also won a ranking class riding the 14-year-old mare Ebolensky.

Andalucia Sunshine Tour six bar results

Breen’s grand prix success

Trevor Breen and the super mare Germaine W sealed a brilliant run in the UAE with victory in the final CSI2* grand prix at the Emirates Equestrian Centre in Dubai. Drawn fourth in the nine-way jump-off, the pair swooped home fastest of the four double clears.

“Germaine has been in super form the whole trip so I’m delighted,” Trevor told H&H. “She did two Nations Cups really well, we finished second in one, third in the other, we capped off the five-star competitions with a third in the grand prix, then she won the two-star grand prix here. I can’t ask for more than that.

“The time allowed was quite tight in round one and there were a few riders clear with time faults, my brother Shane Breen [Can Ya Makan] was one of them, so it was a tough first round. I watched a couple go in the jump-off, but I had my plan and there were a couple of fast guys after me which made me go for it. So I did a couple of leave-out strides from fence one to two and to the last fence, so I think I really nicked it there.”

Trevor describes Mandy Hall’s mare, a five-star winner in Dublin last year, as “a great horse for me”.

“She loved Dubai,” said Trevor, who plans to target Royal Windsor next with Germaine W. “She likes the sun and she just seemed to get better and better out there.”

CSI2* Dubai results

James Smith and Arkuga win the Andalucia Sunshine Tour grand prix (Image credit: creditUnknown)

British grand prix riders are separated by just one hundredth of a second

The CSI4* grand prix on week five of the Andalucia Sunshine Tour resulted in a British one-two, with James Smith (Arkuga) and Karl Robins (Equine America G Camille HBF) separated by just 0.01sec. James admitted he had to look twice at the score board after his round, not least because he thought he’d knocked the first fence down in the nine-way jump-off.

“It was close! Arkuga jumped a bit to the side over the first fence and I half had it in my head that he’d knocked it down, but when I came back round everyone was shouting for me,” James told H&H. “Luckily it worked out – I had to look twice at the clock though because I still wasn’t sure!

“I’m delighted to get a big win, he’s been so consistent,” James added of the Renwicks’ 12-year-old home-bred – by Arko III out of Laura’s multi-winning mare Beluga – who was named “Messi” by their football-loving son, Jack.

“Big thanks to the Renwicks for letting me ride him, he’s naturally fast which makes everything so much easier. That’s probably the biggest grand prix track we’ve jumped so far and he just takes it in his stride. He has a great attitude – he wants to do it.”

Arkuga is looked after by Nikki Park and delighted owner Laura said: “We are so incredibly proud to have bred this superstar who has formed such a brilliant partnership with James over the last few months. Over the moon is an understatement!”

Andalucia Sunshine Tour CSI4* grand prix results

McLain Ward and HH Azur win their second leg of the Rolex Grand Slam at the Dutch Masters (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ward keeps his Grand Slam dream alive

All roads now lead to Aachen this summer for US showjumper McLain Ward and the outstanding mare HH Azur. They won a second consecutive leg of the Rolex Grand Slam at The Dutch Masters in the Netherlands after one of the sport’s most spectacular jump-offs.

“I am so proud of my team and my horse – and a little proud of myself,” said McLain, who is the first rider since Scott Brash in 2015 to claim two consecutive Majors in the now four-event series. “The Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping has truly raised the bar of the sport and winning a Major is one of the greatest moments in a rider’s career.”

From a stellar line-up that included eight of the top 10 riders in the world, a mammoth field of 16 jumped clear in round one of Sunday’s Rolex grand prix. The track set by Louis Konickx had championship dimensions but even in round two, these world-class combinations made light work of the challenge.

The jump-off ignited straight away with the opening riders coming out all guns blazing. Drawn fourth, McLain eclipsed the leading time set by Julien Epaillard of France riding Donatello D’Auge, rocketing home in 37.86sec. He had a few anxious moments as Simon Delestre (Cayman Jolly Jumper) scorched round in typical style and the Frenchman was up on the clock, only to hit the final Rolex oxer, dropping them to 10th behind the nine double clears. Less than a second split the top five riders, with Julien taking second and world number one Henrik von Eckermann finishing third on the incomparable King Edward.

McLain had travelled from the US, where he has been competing at Florida’s Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), for the event and was stunned by the turn of events, which keeps his Rolex Grand Slam dream alive in this, its 10th year.

“I don’t think it has quite sunk in yet – it was a lot of stress having to watch the remaining 12 riders in the jump-off,” said McLain, who picked up a hefty €330,000 (just shy of £292,000) first prize. “The level here is so high and I think later tonight I will realise what we have achieved.”

McLain’s previous success came in the Rolex grand prix of Geneva in December, again with “Annie”.

“She is smarter than everybody else and is truly a queen,” he said. “I think she understands what is happening and really rises to the moment. She loves her job and the partnership that we have created is truly so special.

“She is 17 now, so she does not compete as often any more – instead we just aim her at the most important competitions. She has an incredible physical ability, but what makes her truly stand out is her character. She is a warrior at heart. I use the term ‘Queen’ when referring to her, as she encapsulates every aspect of that term. Two years ago, I thought that it was the end of her career as she had several injuries, but she overcame them. At the beginning of the 2022 season, she was feeling better than ever, and we made the decision to keep competing her and then assess her later on in the season. She ended up having the best year of her career so far.

“As long as she is still in love with the sport and happy, we will continue competing. I love spending time with her, whether that is hacking, training or competing – she is such a brilliant horse.”

Young British superstars Harry Charles (Balou Du Reventon) and Joe Stockdale (Equine America Cacharel) both reached the jump-off for the Rolex grand prix, finishing with eight and 12 faults respectively, and both enjoyed a string of excellent placings throughout this five-star show.

Dutch Masters results

Daniel Bluman and Ladriano Z winning the WEF grand prix. (Image credit: Sportfot)

‘We live to have moments like this’

Daniel Bluman of Israel rode Ladriano Z to victory in the $425,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty CSI5* grand prix during week nine of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Florida, four years after winning the same event in 2019. Shane Sweetnam took second on James Kann Cruz, with Karl Cook third on the 13-year-old mare Kalinka Van’t Zorgvliet.

“I watched Shane’s round and his horse and mine are both big and scopey, so I tried to do the same as him and edge him in a couple places,” said Daniel.

“At this time of the year, you have some of the greatest riders in the world here for the season so it’s very intense. We live to have moments like this where you’re competing against people you really admire and horses you really like. It was just the right group in the jump-off and I was really motivated to win it and when I crossed the timers I had a feeling I had.”

WEF grand prix results

Jad Dana and After Eight winning at WEF. (Image credit: Sportfot)

‘I truly thought I had no chance’: milestone 5* win for Lebanese rider

Lebanese rider Jad Dana and 13-year-old After Eight enjoyed a milestone first five-star win in WEF’s 1.50m classic, beating speedy Irish showjumper Darragh Kenny, who finished second and third with Vancouver Dreams and Chic Chic respectively.

“Even though my mare is very fast, the riders today had so much experience and they are incredibly talented,” said Jad, who trains with US Olympic team gold medallist Leslie Howard. “I truly thought I had no chance. I was happy just to be in the jump-off. This mare tried her heart out for me today.

“She does everything because of her huge heart. I love her so much. I have no words. To win a five-star is absolutely a dream come true.”

Bertram Allen and Pacino Amiro winning at WEF (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Irish success continued at WEF when Bertram Allen and Aiden McGrory’s Pacino Amiro triumphed in Thursday’s CSI5* Challenge Cup. He was up against countryman Darragh Kenny on Vlock Show Stables’ Chic Chic and US rider Schuyler Riley (Robin De Ponthual) in a three-way jump-off and, from second draw, posted the winning time of 36.94sec.

“I’ve never seen a WEF Challenge here where only three were clear in the first round, so it was a much more tactical jump-off than normal,” said Bertram. “It was a huge advantage going after Darragh because I saw one or two places in his jump-off where I could get the better of him if I left the rails up.”

WEF results

‘Super sassy’ mare puts a ‘massive smile’ on her rider’s face and a home-bred stallion is on a winning streak

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 13:48:11 +0000

We enjoyed a bumper week of international action this week with top class action continuing in the UAE, the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Florida and the tours in Portugal and Spain just some of the highlights.

This week we celebrate a multi-winning home-bred stallion, a new mare that has put “a massive smile” on Shane Breen’s face and what it means to hear your national anthem ring out, in our weekly round-up of this week’s international showjumping news.

‘Super smart, super kind and super sassy’

Irish showjumper Shane Breen landed the CSI2* grand prix in Sharjah, UAE, with a very exciting new eight-year-old, Instrumental (Qualdandro x Indoctro). Hickstead-based Shane and Chloe Breen bought the eye-catching bay mare from Lisa and Peder Fredricson just before Christmas. Shane made his competition debut with her in the UAE last month, since when they have been turning out some star performances.

“She’s been lovely,” Shane told H&H. “We started with 1.30m and 1.40m classes the first week, then I hadn’t planned to do a grand prix with her so soon, but she was double clear and fifth in the grand prix last week. Then this week she jumped clear in the first round and I looked at the jump-off course and thought I’d just do what she felt comfortable with and she was fantastic.

“It was just one of those rounds when you’re completely and utterly in your comfort zone, it was a fantastic feeling. She did all the lines on one stride less and the turn to the oxer beautifully. When she jumped out of the double, it gave me such a good feeling that you nearly forget what you’re doing, I had such a big smile on my face.”

As well as being careful and scopey, Shane describes Instrumental as “super smart, super kind and super sassy – the perfect mix”.

“It’s very exciting,” said Shane, who hopes to take some embryos from the mare. “I have to restrain myself a bit because she is only eight, but we’ll see where we end up.”

Shane has also been in the money on his Hickstead Derby hero, Can Ya Makan, “who is getting better with age – he looks incredible,” said Shane as he builds up the 17-year-old for a tilt at this year’s Hamburg and Hickstead derbies, and the 15-year-old Z7 Ipswich, “who is always flying the flag”.

Shane’s brother Trevor Breen finished third in Sunday’s five-star grand prix riding Mandy Hall’s 12-year-old Germaine W. The winner was Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano riding the great Chalou.

The Irish flag also flew for double five-star winner Jessica Burke, who landed Sunday’s winning round with a flying performance on Express Trend, who she said was “believing even more than I was”, having also lifted the week’s opening two-phase ranking class with Inpulss, “the horse that keeps on giving and keeps me smiling.”

Sharjah results

Nine wins and counting from home-bred stallion

Maisy Williams and her family’s seven-year-old home-bred Gold Rush, who is by her father Guy Williams’ brilliant partner Gold Digger, have been making a real name for themselves on the Vilamoura Atlantic Tour, racking up an astounding winning streak in the young horse classes. The pair again won this week’s seven-year-old grand prix in impressive style.

“He’s won loads of classes now – he’s jumped 12, won nine and been placed in another,” Maisy told H&H. “He’s always won a bit, but recently he’s improved – he had a rest and has come back better than ever.”

Maisy began riding Gold Rush as a four-year-old and qualified for last year’s World Breeding Championship for Young Horses at Lanaken.

“Every time he goes in the ring, he tries his hardest,” added Maisy, 16, who hopes to contest newcomers second rounds with the seven-year-old later in the year. “He’s won all the seven-year-old grands prix so far. The courses are big enough and they build them well to get them started for the rest of the season.”

Villamoura Atlantic Tour results

First time lucky for Darragh Kenny amid Irish celebrations in Florida

During week six of WEF in Florida, Ireland’s Darragh Kenny won the CSI3* 1.50m classic riding new partner Vancouver Dreams (main image above) after a 15-horse jump-off. The 13-year-old mare (Valentino 240 x Stakkato) was previously a five-star contender for Austrian showjumper Max Kühner.

“I’ve actually never done a jump-off on her before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect,” said Darragh, who is riding the mare to sell but “having some fun with her first”.

“She’s unbelievably careful so I knew I could take a bit of a risk at the double and I did and it paid off and she was brilliant.”

Darragh’s pupil Francis Derwin landed the Hermès U25 welcome class riding AHG Whiterock Cruise Down (Cruisings Micky Finn x Touchdown), who he’s been riding for the past three years, having taken the reins from his sister.

“I think he is very good at being fast without me having to try to be fast,” said Francis, competing in his second year at WEF after earning a bursary to ride under the tutelage of Darragh. “He’s been giving me some great help and I’ve been getting in the ring on plenty of horses, so it’s been a good opportunity to keep learning.

“I wasn’t really planning on trying to win but when I went in, he jumped one, two and three very good, so I thought I’d have a bit of a go when he was jumping well,” said Francis, who also won the Champion Equine Insurance jumper style award for the performance.

Another young Irish rider, Tom Wachman won Sunday’s Hermes under-25 grand prix riding I’m Here, just pipping US-based British showjumper Grace Debney on a new ride, the nine-year-old Jesprit HS, into the runner-up spot.

The Irish national anthem rang out once more in the CSI3* grand prix, when Bertram Allen racked up another victory with the brilliant Emmylou.

WEF results

Hickstead Derby victor makes winning return and London Horse Show heroes strike again

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 13:34:05 +0000

Equine golden oldies, including the 17-year-old Hickstead Derby winner Can Ya Makan, were making headlines from as far afield as Florida to the UAE and Spain as teenage horses captured grands prix, with US rider Mclain Ward stating his horses’ longevity was a “great testament” to his team.

Here, we celebrate these achievements and the rest of the past week’s international winners and showjumping news.

Ebolensky and Sampson top Spanish grand prix

Competing in her first grand prix since winning the final day’s feature class at the London International, Ebolensky proved she’s back to her brilliant best when winning the CSI4* Andalucia Sunshine Tour Horseware Big Tour 1.55m grand prix with the fastest of only two double clears (pictured top).

Matt and the Evison family’s 14-year-old Clinton mare stopped the clock in 39.68sec, beating Germany’s Kendra Brinkop (In Time) in a nine-way jump-off where their rivals all faulted. Scott Brash and new ride Hello Valentino finished runners-up in the medium tour equivalent in Vejer De La Frontera.

Andalucia Sunshine Tour results

‘He’s taken me to the Olympics and World Championships’

Bertram Allen and the brilliant 11-year-old Pacino Amiro (pictured below) landed Thursday’s five-star jump-off class at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Florida. From a starting field of 54, the Irishman won over tracks set by Frank Rothenburger, where a tight time allowed in round one caught out several combinations.

“I knew going in that I had to have a good round, but I didn’t want to overdo it today with the grand prix coming up on Saturday,” explained Bertram, who beat his countryman Conor Swail (Count Me In) into the runner-up spot with Laura Kraut third on Baloutinue. “My plan was to be quick early on because I knew if I caught the first two fences well that my horse is as quick as any other.

“He has really been a fantastic horse for me; he is only 11, but he’s already been to the Olympics, the World [Championships] and won a five-star grand prix here.”

WEF results

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Simpson’s speedy success and the winning return of Can Ya Makan

England-based Irish showjumper David Simpson landed the CSI2* Longines Sharjah grand prix in the UAE riding the exciting eight-year-old Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve. Shane Breen was also a winner earlier in the week riding his Hickstead Derby hero Can Ya Makan.

CSI2* Sharjah results

‘Their health is a great testament to my team’

US rider Mclain Ward landed a big class double at WEF with a pair of teenage horses, crediting the longevity of his top-flight string to his team’s careful management. His first victory came in Saturday night’s grand prix riding the 15-year-old Callas, the mare’s first success at this level. He beat Ireland’s Darragh Kenny (Volnay Du Boisdeville) into second with Kent Farrington third on Landon, who he considers to have a very bright future.

“She’s been knocking on the door, so it’s nice for us to break through and get a big win,” said Mclain. “The jump-off was built for us. She cuts a little left, so at fence one to two I could take a straight line. I needed the Hermès [oxer] to show up well off that rollback. Everybody had to make a sharp turn and it was a bit awkward, but I got away with that one.”

Mclain followed up the following day in the 1.50m classic riding the 13-year-old mare Alanine De Vains, becoming the first rider since 2014 to do the big class double.

“She should have won the class earlier in the week, but I made a mistake,” said Mclain, competing in just his second class with the mare. “She’s very careful and very fast, so that plays into my hand with a jump-off like this.”

Crediting his team, Mclain added: “We’ve worked really hard to build a great string of horses and to maintain them so that they last a long time. My top horses are 17 years old, 15 and 14 – they are experienced, which gives you such an advantage, and their health is a great testament to my team. We have great owners that allow us to show these horses the right amount and not put too much pressure on them.”

WEF results

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Irish victory in Belgium

Irish rider Jason Foley won the CSI2* grand prix at the Flanders Horse Xpo riding the nine-year-old mare Rockwell RC. From nearly 60 starters, 10 came forward for the jump-off. Best of the Brits was Robert Whitaker and Vermento, who just picked up four faults in round one.

Flanders results

The best kiss and cry reaction, Deusser’s sensational victory and a debut World Cup win

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 12:57:31 +0000

We enjoyed four days of world-class showjumping in Prague, Czech Republic, this week, with the 2022 Longines Global Champions Tour season drawing to a sensational close with the Super Grand Prix and Global Champions League (GCL) Super Cup team tournament providing a great spectacle. In Las Vegas, there was a milestone win for a young US rider and a podium Nations Cup finish for Ireland in Portugal. Here are just some of the highlights from the past week’s international showjumping action, plus showjumping results.

The best kiss and cry celebration

Miami Celtics came out top in a fierce battle for the GCL Super Cup at the Prague Playoffs, with jubilant supporters erupting on the kiss and cry (main image top) as 23-year-old Swiss rider Edouard Schmitz nailed their victory with a clear under immense pressure.

“My knees are still shaking,” said the Celtics’ under-25 rider, who rode Gamin Van’t Naastveldhof (pictured below). “When you go into the ring knowing you have to deliver a clear, it’s difficult but when you’re under pressure sometimes you perform better. You wish for days like this.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

His team-mates in Prague were Irish riders Bertram Allen on Pacino Amiro and Michael G Duffy riding Clitschko 17.

“To finish with a win is not something I think any of us expected,” said Michael. “We really fought hard all week and we have three amazing championship horses – we certainly wouldn’t be sitting here without them. My heart was in my mouth watching Edouard! I didn’t make his job the easiest [adding eight faults] but he got stuck in, he didn’t leave anything to chance and what a ride from him and Bertram.”

GCL Super Cup final standings

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Milestone success for Lillie Keenan

US rider Lillie Keenan, 26, won her first Longines FEI World Cup qualifier in Las Vegas riding the 11-year-old Dutch-bred stallion Agana Van Het Gerendal Z (pictured above). Victory came after a six-way jump-off where she beat the previous week’s Toronto winner Daniel Coyle, this time riding the nine-year-old Ivory TCS, by just 0.16sec.

“I’ve taught myself that when I go later [in the start order] to just walk my course, think about my plan and stick to it,” said Lillie. “I know Daniel’s really fast. I didn’t need to see him do it to know that I’d have to do everything I could to try to beat him.”

Conor Swail regained the lead in the North American League World Cup standings after his 11th-place finish.

Longines FEI World Cup of Las Vegas results

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Deusser is left speechless after LGCT Super Grand Prix success

THE curtain closed on the 2022 Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) with a resounding victory for German superstar Daniel Deusser and the quirky but supremely talented chestnut Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z in Saturday’s 1.65m LGCT Super Grand Prix at the Prague Playoffs in the Czech Republic.

“I’m speechless about how my horse performed tonight – I think he underestimated a bit the height of the fences but he really tried his heart out,” said Daniel, who took home a staggering top prize of just over €300,000 after the two-round competition.

LGCT Super Grand Prix results

©Sportfot (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Jessica Springsteen is the speed queen

At the ESP Pre-Charity CSI3* in Wellington, Florida, Jessica Springsteen (pictured above) triumphed in the $37,000 Elite Horse Transport 1.45m speed class riding Stone Hill Farm’s nine-year-old mare Naomi Van Het Keizershof (Cardento x For Pleasure), whom she’s had for three years.

“I think she is really special,” said Jessica. “She has taken a little bit more time but is super careful and is very competitive. I’m hoping to step her up and put her in a couple of the smaller grand prix classes this season.”

Elite Horse Transport 1.45m speed class results

(Image credit: Manue Macker)

Oakingham Stud achieves further international success

Winning the grand prix qualifier at the ESP Pre-Charity CSI3* show in Wellington, Florida, was US rider Alison Robitaille with the Oakingham Stud-produced mare Oakingham Lira (pictured above), now owned by Alison Firestone.

“My goal early last year was to be jumping the three-stars by the end of this year, so this is really great,” said the rider. “I’m just so happy with how my horse feels; we’ve been building our partnership all year long. After walking in today, we really feel like a team.”

Oakingham Stud owns Ben Maher’s championship medal-winning Faltic HB and Lira was produced by the stud’s Mackenzie Ray and Shane O’Reilly before going overseas, teaming up with her current rider at the start of this year.

CSI3* Wellington grand prix qualifier showjumping results

Swiss riders finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th in Italian grand prix

Remarkably, in the CSI2* grand prix in Gorla Minore, Italy, this week, the top five placings were filled by Swiss riders. The victor after an 18-strong jump-off was Pius Schwizer riding Cassalino, chased home by his team-mates Barbara Schnieper with Innok, Roger Umnus (Cupido), Jean-Maurice Brahier riding Caracoles, with Steve Guerdat in fifth on Hubba Bubba.

Gorla Minore CSI2* grand prix results

(Image credit: Manue Macker)

Eve Jobs’ ‘unbelievable’ stallion makes a winning comeback

Irish rider Darragh Kerrins landed the $137,000 NoltrexVet grand prix at the CSI3* show in Wellington, Florida, with the 11-year-old Holstein stallion Lissino, owned by Eve Jobs.

“I’ve been riding him on and off for the last two years,” said Darragh (pictured in action above). “He actually had a small injury around this time last year and pretty much missed the whole year. We started bringing him back to jumping at the end of August. He has come back feeling better than ever; he feels unbelievable.

“I didn’t know what to expect after watching everyone else go in the first round, but he gave me everything today, he’s an unbelievable horse,” said Darragh, one of only two riders from a field of 33 to jump clear in round one. “When I walked the course today, it definitely walked hard but I didn’t think it was going to turn out that difficult. The time allowed was a big issue and in the combination line you could either do a seven or an eight, so there were options everywhere.”

CSI3* grand prix results in Wellington, Florida

Nations Cup podium for Ireland

In the CSIO3* Nations Cup held at Villamoura Champions Tour, Portugal, France came out winners, chased home by USA and Ireland’s squad of Trevor Breen (Germaine W), David Simpson on Indian Quality Z, Alexander Butler with Coolivio PS and Richard Howley on Fame. Great Britain’s quartet finished 11th after narrowly missing the cut for round two. William Fletcher and Ginadina PP were among the CSI3* individual winners in this week’s competitions.

Villamoura Champions Tour results

‘That’s what we came here to do’: Ireland’s showjumping team secures Paris 2024 Olympic qualification

Becky Murray — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 23:05:23 +0000

Ireland has finished fourth – and secured Paris 2024 qualification – in a dramatic team final at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships.

The Irish entered this evening’s proceedings in ninth place – and came within touching distance of team bronze – but an unfortunate five faults from Cian O’Connor on C Vier 2 and a shock retirement from Daniel Coyle and Legacy – led to them finishing in fourth place in the World Showjumping Championships results.

Cian O’Connor has enjoyed a fantastic week with Susan Magnier’s 14-year-old gelding, with clears in the first and second rounds of the competition – but the pair just ran out of steam in the final combination, knocking the vertical at fence 13b. The pair go into the individual final on Sunday on a score of 9.70, after also picking up one time-penalty.

It was a different story however for Ireland’s final combination, Daniel Coyle and Legacy, who retired mid-round. The pair had started confidently, but knocked the triple bar at fence six and the vertical at fence seven. They briefly regained their composure, but took down the second part of the combination at fence nine and after rattling the next fence, Daniel looked to the scoreboard before sensibly calling it a day – with only the three top scores counting in the team competition. The round will be a blow for Daniel, who produced a clear on the 12-year-old mare in the first day, and added just two time faults to his round on day two.

Denis Lynch started proceedings for Ireland this evening with a clear round and one time-penalty with Brooklyn Heights, and second to go Bertram Allen came out fighting on Pacino Amiro with a lucky clear, despite a few rattles.

The fourth place means Ireland has secured Olympic qualification at the Paris 2024 Games.

“We’re delighted to finish in fourth place,” said Cian. “Obviously we just miss out barely on a bronze medal, but we’re thrilled because the group of horses that we have here are all a little bit new to us in the team at this level; particularly C Vier 2 – I only got him this year – and Denis’s horse is also new.

“Olympic qualification [at the first attempt] is a real monkey off our back because it’s something that’s eluded us [previously]. In all my career we’ve never managed to do it the first time anyway, so I’m not sure when the last time Ireland qualified in its first attempt.”

It was tight at the top with Britain finishing in bronze on 22.66 – only 0.49 less than Ireland – and pathfinder Denis Lynch reflected on the score.

“If I didn’t have the time-fault, or maybe yesterday if we didn’t have the time-fault for example, we were thereabouts for a medal, so that’s a pity,” he said. “But ok, we qualified for the Olympics – that’s what we came here to do and I’m very proud of my horse and my teammates.”

In what was a rollercoaster evening, Sweden claimed team gold, the Netherlands won silver, and Great Britain took bronze in the World Showjumping Championships results.

Three members of the Irish team will next jump in the individual team final on Sunday, which features the top 25 combinations. Denis is currently in 19th, Cian 20th and Bertram 21st.

‘I wasn’t worried’: Bertram Allen fights back for Ireland in the World Showjumping Championships

Becky Murray — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 21:32:13 +0000

Bertram Allen has made up for a disappointing second day at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships with a redeeming clear round in the team final.

Riding the 10-year-old gelding Pacino Amiro, owned by Aiden McGrory, Bertram navigated Louis Konickx’s course clear inside the time. The pair rattled the final part of the combination fence 13, and had a light tap of the final fence but the poles stayed in place, and they added nothing to their 9.80 score.

“It’s a big course tonight under the lights and there was a lot of pressure on Ireland,” said Bertram following his round.

“We’re a bit far behind so we have to climb up today, my horse was fantastic and grand. It went how we wanted and I’m delighted.”

After a brilliant first day in the competition, Bertram incurred eight faults yesterday but the Irishman was undeterred coming into this evening’s final.

“He jumped great yesterday, he jumped a much better round than his result so I was still pretty confident going in. Sometimes you have a bad round and you’re scratching your head a little bit, but I wasn’t at all worried. He feels very good and sometimes that happens,” he said.

“One more round from the two boys and we’ll be laughing.”

Denis Lynch was first to go for Ireland with Brooklyn Heights, producing a clear jumping round and adding one time-penalty. Ireland’s place in the team final looked in doubt at one stage yesterday, but they secured their place in ninth – of 10 teams.

Cian O’Connor – who has been in magnificent form all week – jumps next for Ireland in the World Showjumping Championships results on Cier Vier 2. Daniel Coyle will jump last with Legacy.

‘I am not happy’: Bertram Allen reflects on his latest World Showjumping Championships round

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 14:21:58 +0000

Bertram Allen continued Ireland’s attempt for a team medal at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships. Riding the Irish Sport Horse Pacino Amiro, the 27-year-old Irishman incurred eight faults, meaning he has dropped down the World Showjumping Championships results table.

“The result today was not that good, so I am not happy, but hopefully we can get some clear rounds for the team with the last two riders,“ Bertram said after his round with the Irish Sport Horse by Pacino out of Carnone Dancing Queen (by NC Amiro). “My round today was actually not that bad, but in the end, it is all about the result. I hope for a bit more luck tomorrow.”

Bertram travelled to Herning, Denmark, as a reserve, but when Darragh Kenny had to withdraw, Bertram stepped up and right into the reckoning, jumping a fantastic and fast clear round on the first day of competition yesterday (10 August). But unfortunately Bertram and the 10-year-old, who he has been riding for the past three years, knocked down both fence 10, which was a plank, and fence 13, which is the second to last fence, and another upright.

The first Irish rider to go earlier this afternoon was Denis Lynch and Brooklyn Heights, who incurred four faults.

The top 10 teams go through to the final round of the team competition tomorrow, so the performance of Ireland’s next two riders will be crucial for their World Showjumping Championships results.

World Showjumping Championships day two: when the Brits and Irish will ride

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 06:02:46 +0000

The start lists have been published for today’s (11 August) team competition at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships — with Britain drawn last to go.

Britain has changed its order with Ben Maher and Faltic HB, who were in 10th place overnight, first to go for the team. Yesterday’s pathfinders Joe Stockdale and Equine America Cacharel are second, followed by Harry Charles and Romeo 88, with Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson, who come into this round in second place, last to go.

Ireland has been drawn 10th, and keeps the same order as today.

After yesterday’s speed class, all combinations carry their penalties with them to this second qualifier for tomorrow’s team final.

The class starts at 1pm local time (12pm UK time) and exact times for riders have not been released but allowing two minutes per rider, with breaks, the approximate times are:

World Showjumping Championships approx times: British riders

Ben Maher and Faltic HB: approx 2.22pm local time, 1.22pm UK time
Joe Stockdale and Equine America Cacharel: approx 3.42pm local time, 2.42pm UK time
Harry Charles and Romeo 88: approx 5.06pm local time, 4.06pm UK time
Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson: approx 6.24pm local time, 5.24pm UK time

Irish riders:

Denis Lynch and Brooklyn Heights: approx 1.18pm local time, 12.18pm UK time
Bertram Allen and Pacino Amiro: approx 2.46pm local time, 1.46 UK time
Cian O’Connor and C Vier 2: approx 4.38pm local time, 3.38pm UK time
Daniel Coyle and Legacy: approx 6.02pm local time, 5.02 UK time

‘Nothing fazes him’: reserve rider dazzles for Ireland at World Showjumping Championships

Martha Terry — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 11:20:29 +0000

Bertram Allen proved a sterling deputy rider at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships, jumping a fast clear in the first qualifier. Bertram travelled to Herning, Denmark, as a reserve, but when Darragh Kenny had to withdraw, Bertram stepped up and right into the reckoning.

Riding the Irish Sport Horse Pacino Amiro, the 27-year-old Irishman didn’t touch a pole en route to 82.67sec and into second spot at this stage.

“It’s important to get a good start, and now we’re hopefully into it for the week,” said Bertram, who only arrived at the event the previous day (9 August). “We had to get straight into it, and that’s where I am very lucky that my horse is totally brave and genuine. Nothing fazes him, he was really relaxed.

“The round felt great, but it felt like quite a long way to ride! It’s longer than most grands prix.”

Solid Irish start at World Showjumping Championships

Earlier in the morning, Bertram’s compatriot Denis Lynch had bagged the first clear of the day on Brooklyn Heights, but in a relatively slow time of 88.43sec to take 19th after the second rotation. Bertram was 28th into the ring, about a third of the way through the start-list, so the problem spots had started to become apparent.

The second rotation of team riders was chasing a target of 81.02sec, the lead currently held by Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts and his mare Katanga VH Dingeshof, who jumped clear.

“She has a small stride but she jumped well and I tried to go as quick as possible without going too crazy,” said Nicola. “By nature she’s very quick and she has an unbelievable record this year. It’s a long way to go but that was a good start.”

Speed is essential in this class, with a few of the first-rotation riders making the top spots despite a rail down. Four-faulter Marcus Ehning held second on Stargold (83.88sec with the additional four added) after the first rotation, but the second group’s riders have pushed him down the order.

Swiss rider Pius Schwizer had been putting in an eyecatching round at a good pace when he and his partner Vancouver De Lanlore had a miscommunication at the triple bar into the final double and the dark bay by Toulon stopped. They wound up with a total of 93.83sec.

And they’re off! Start list confirmed for World Showjumping Championships

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 07:44:58 +0000

The start lists have been confirmed for the first round of competition as the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships get under way today (10 August).

The first competition is a speed class, which sets the baseline for the rest of the week’s action, and all eight British and Irish combinations will be in action. The first horse and rider to carry the Union Flag into the Stutteri Ask Stadium will be Joe Stockdale and Equine America Cacharel, who have been drawn 11th to go.

The class starts at 11am local time (10am UK time) and exact times for riders have not been released but allow two minutes per rider, and there are four breaks, one every 20 or 21 combinations.

World Showjumping Championships approx times: British riders

Joe Stockdale and Equine America Cacharel: approx 11.22 local time, 10.22 UK time
Harry Charles and Romeo 88: 36th
Ben Maher and Faltic HB: 65th
Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson: 91st

Irish riders:

Denis Lynch and Brooklyn Heights: approx 11.06 local time, 10.06 UK time
Bertram Allen and Pacino Amiro: 28th
Cian O’Connor and C Vier 2: 56th
Daniel Coyle and Legacy: 84th

Current world and European silver medallist Martin Fuchs is 76th to go on his 2021 European medal-winning ride Leone Jei, and European champions Andre Thieme and DSP Chakaria are 60th in. Olympic silver medallists Peder Fredricson and H&M All In are 103rd and last to go, and Tokyo bronze medallists Maikel van der Vleuten with Beauville Z NOP go 33rd.

The scores in this first competition will be determined by the winning rider, on faults and time, being given 0 penalties; the others in descending order will be given a total determined by the difference in faults between them and the winner. Any combination eliminated or who does not finish will be given 20 penalties more than the highest score of all who completed.

A fresh horse at the end of the Winter Equestrian Festival works well for Irish rider

Sarah Eakin — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 12:27:01 +0000

Fresh horses may be the exception rather than the rule after 12 weeks of jumping at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). But careful management of Pacino Amiro certainly paid off for Ireland’s Bertram Allen, who took to the Stadium Derby Field to claim victory in the FEI $140,000 CSI 5* Adequan WEF Series Round XII. They finished with a clear round in 42.88 seconds, ahead of Italy’s Lorenzo De Luca on T One USA who clocked a time of 44.24.

“I started him off out here on the grass the first week just to mix it up a bit because I knew the next three five-stars were on the sand,” said Bertram. “He’s been great all of the circuit. He had the last two weeks off and I’ve just been trying to have him feel fresh. He really felt fresh today and found it very easy, so that was a nice feeling.”

Bertram’s approach to the jump off was to keep calm and carry on. “The biggest thing in the jump off I think was that I didn’t lose my pace anywhere. Every time I turned, something nice came up,” he said. “I didn’t do anything crazy or wild, I just didn’t lose it anywhere.”

The course was suitably testing to cull the initial field of 54 entries to a jump-off featuring 11 horse rider combinations, and to qualify the 40 top contenders for Saturday’s WEF highlight the FEI $500,000 CSI5* Rolex grand prix.

“I must say that I found the course for the first round very good,” said Bertram. “Because sometimes for a class like this for a qualifier, if they don’t build it tough enough you get some lesser people in and then maybe a good horse and rider can be unlucky and miss out. Today there was nothing anywhere unfair or too big, but at least with every eight faulter getting in you had no excuses today.”

Pacino Amiro will fly home after WEF finishes on Sunday and rest for a month before campaigning at shows in Europe. For Bertram, the Festival has proved to be better than he had hoped. “I am feeling great,” he said. “We had a great circuit last year with competitions and sales and I kind of thought that wasn’t going to happen again. So to come here and do better this year – I definitely wasn’t expecting that.”

Bertram Allen’s mount Pacino Amiro finds top form at the Winter Equestrian Festival

Sarah Eakin — Sun, 27 Feb 2022 20:45:44 +0000

The plan is coming together for Irish Olympian Bertram Allen as Pacino Amiro reached top form to win his second grand prix CSI5* grand prix last night – and the horse’s Winter Equestrian Festival is far from over yet. “He will do the next two five stars,” Bertram confirmed today.

This past week was the second of four five-star weeks, which saw a Saturday Night Lights victory for Bertram, ahead of fellow Irishman Paul O’Shea who filled the runner up spot with Chancelleros.

By all accounts last night’s course was tough, but fair, and Bertram had faith in the scope of Pacino Amiro. “When I walked the course I thought it was hard,” said Bertram. “But I am lucky in that no course is too big for him.”

Prior to coming to the Winter Equestrian Festival, Bertram was planning to build up to the five-star challenges. “After the Olympics I didn’t do so much,” said Bertram. “I was trying to build him up to go here.”

The plan came to fruition and last night the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by Pacino, out of a NC Amiro mare called Carnone Dancing Queen, who is owned by Aiden McGrory was on flying form. “He really felt at his best tonight,” Bertram said afterwards.

Acknowledging the rarity of winning a grand prix at WEF, much less a five-star event, Allen said: “I’ve been coming to WEF for the past three years. It’s great to win any class here, but especially a grand prix, and to win a five star is even more special. Last year it was great jumping here, but it was even better this year with a full house because you could really feel the atmosphere. Tonight was a tough grand prix, and we only saw a few clears so it was a great result.”

Having acquired the horse in the middle of his seventh year, Bertram’s expectations for the gelding have been exceeded. “He’s a little bit quirky because he’s a big horse and has his own way of going” he said. “But he is a fantastic, genuine horse with lots of talent and brave as a lion. You’re not worried about what the course builder is building because you know he can jump everything, so I’m very confident in him, and it’s a nice feeling to have.”

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Rider claims WEF grand prix for second year in a row — on horse he shares with his younger brother

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 17:42:42 +0000

Irish showjumper Bertram Allen, 26, won the $140,000 IDA Development CSI3* grand prix during week six of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) for the second year in a row. He was riding his own Harley VD Bisschop, a 15-year-old gelding he shares with his younger brother Harry.

“It’s great to be a winner any time, but to do it two years in a row, and also last to go, is that little bit sweeter too,” said Bertram.

A field of 45 went to post for the three-star grand prix over a track set by Ana Catalina Harris Cruz of Mexico in the grass-covered derby field, with 15 jumping clear.

Bertram was drawn last of the 14 combinations who progressed to the jump-off and managed to shave over a second from the leading time set by Great Britain’s Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher with relatively new ride Faltic HB, owned by the Oakingham Stud.

“For some reason or other, I don’t always get the nicest jump-offs on Harley,” said Bertram of the Belgian warmblood, by Dulf Van Den Bisschop out of a Coronado mare, who was bought by the Allen family in November 2018.

“I was just going to have my round, and if it all came off, I knew he could be fast enough, but I wasn’t going to force anything. And then right from the start, I caught fence one to two good, the double [combination] good, and just kept going from there.”

Harley was previously ridden at the highest level by Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts, and Bertram has achieved some top placings in five-star classes. Younger brother Harry Allen, 20, first took the reins last year then was reunited with the gelding on a visit to WEF last month.

“My brother rode him at one or two shows at the end of last year, and he’s in Spain now with a lot of the other horses,” explained Bertram. “He came out here [to Wellington] the first week, so I thought it would be nice for him to ride him and see how it’s done over here, because it’s different in Europe. It was a good experience for him, and obviously it didn’t do the horse any harm.”

Bertram also won this grand prix during WEF 2021, riding Castlefield Vegas on that occasion.

Ben Maher finished in the runner-up spot, with Brazil’s Eduardo Pereira De Menezes taking third on H5 Elvaro. Bertram’s countryman Conor Swail took fourth on the 15-year-old Hanoverian Count Me In.

‘The majority were against this change’: riders react to new Olympic showjumping format

Becky Murray — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 16:31:17 +0000

As the Olympic showjumping individual qualifier comes to a close, riders have reacted to the new showjumping competition format at the Tokyo Games.

The key differences from previous Olympics are that the individual medals will now be decided before the team competition, and there are only three riders in each nation’s squad, rather than four. One of the reasonings behind this decision was to make it easier for people outside the sport to understand – every rider’s score will contribute to their country’s tally. There is no drop score.

Additionally, in the team final, there will be a 20-minute break after the first two riders from all 10 teams have jumped. An intermediate classification of teams will be established and used to determine the starting order of each team’s third rider in reverse order of merit.

World number one Daniel Deusser said he was “not a fan” of the new format, adding that in the individual qualifier today even having one rail down meant combinations would not qualify. The top 30 riders of 73 qualified for Friday’s individual final, including Daniel, and only those who jumped clear rounds secured a place.

“Jumping three rounds in my opinion puts the best combinations together,” said Daniel. “Today it is possible that you have a good day, you ride a clear round, [rather] than another one who should be in the final over three rounds.”

“That’s the sport and that’s the format this year. We will have a winner tomorrow and I guess it will be a good winner. We will see how the teams go with the three riders without drop scores. If a horse spooks one time, it could theoretically destroy the whole team and that’s a shame. I liked the format before – to decide over five rounds is more, in my opinion, an Olympic champion than a one-round jump off tomorrow.”

British riders Scott Brash, Ben Maher and Harry Charles made it safely through to the final with clear rounds, but Scott said he “didn’t love” the new format.

“It is what it is,” he said. “It’s the same for everyone so you have to get on with it.”

Irish riders Bertram Allen, Cian O’Connor and Darragh Kenny also all picked up qualifying places.

“The round [today] is playing for a lot, whereas normally for the individuals you had three rounds before the final, so maybe if you had two down today you could get it back over the next two days,” said Bertram. “You’ve only really one shot here and if it doesn’t go your way, you’re out.”

US rider’s Jessica Springsteen, Laura Kraut and Kent Farrington were among those who did not qualify for the individual final. Laura, who had two fences down with Baloutine, said she did not have “sour grapes” over the new format.

“We’re all jumping the same format – obviously I think the majority, if not all the riders, were against this. I think a lot will come at the end of this, as to whether this was a good idea or not,” she said.

“I would have appreciated that you had two and three scores that accumulated to get you in the top 30, not just a one-and-done type day, but it is what it is and we’ll see what happens.”

Kent said the new format is very different from that of the past.

“If something goes wrong in the first round, it’s finished – unfortunately we’re seeing the reality of that today,” he said.

“It is what it is. I always try to compete under whatever guidelines or rules they give us and in a different circumstance, maybe it would work to our advantage and tonight it didn’t. I’m not blaming the format, I just think we needed a better performance.”

Irish showjumpers celebrate a fantastic start in Tokyo Olympics individual qualifier

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 11:44:26 +0000

Irish riders made an outstanding start in the individual qualifier for the Olympic showjumping at the Tokyo Games on Tuesday 3 August, with all three riders jumping clear and now look sure to qualify for Wednesday’s individual medal-decider.

The pathfinder for Ireland was Darragh Kenny, who produced a super clear over course-designer Santiago Varelo’s testing and colourful track riding Heathman Farm’s 14-year-old stallion Cartello, who he only started riding in May of this year.

“The horse feels good,” said Darragh, who went in to an early lead courtesy of his fast time. “It’s difficult to go early in the class, not knowing really what to do, but the horse jumped fantastic. He’s in great form so I’m looking forward to the week.”

Describing the track, which has caused plenty of upsets already, Darragh said: “It’s tough for day one – big jumps and the oxers are wide and spooky under the lights. The combination is quite a long six strides, so it suits a bigger striding horse. I think the last line is going to take a lot of jumping – it is very tough.”

Although both horse and rider are experienced in their own rights, Darragh and Cartello had only jumped at five international shows together before arriving in Tokyo.

“It’s pretty incredible,” said Darragh. “Cartello was very good in Madrid – which was the second show I took him to in the Globals [Global Champions Tour] and he jumped fantastic in the grand prix to finish third. And then he went to Rome and jumped the Nation’s Cup – we only jumped one round and he jumped clear – and then he went to La Baule and he was clear and four with a foot in the water, which really was my own fault.”

Ireland’s second representative, Bertram Allen and the nine-year-old Pacino Amiro, by the great stallion Pacino, followed with an equally impressive clear.

“That was very exciting,” said Bertram. “We’ve been here now for a while so to get in there and get a round behind us is great and I’m very happy with the horse. My guy is not spooky, he’s very genuine, but he is only nine. So, it’s a lot to take in for any horse, but a nine-year-old doing his first championship it’s a bit extra. But because he’s so genuine and has such a good brain, that’s why he does it.”

It wasn’t long before third rider for Ireland, Cian O’Connor made it a hat-trick of clears riding the lovely grey Kilkenny, owned by Sue Magnier.

“You don’t want to count your chickens too soon, but that will definitely give you the confidence,” said Cian reflecting on Ireland’s dream start to the Olympics.

Irish riders eye Olympic glory as Tokyo showjumping squad announced

Lucy Elder — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 14:10:56 +0000

The Olympic showjumping team of three riders, plus the alternate combination and reserve, due to represent Ireland at this summer’s Olympic showjumping in Tokyo have been revealed.

The announcement is Horse Sport Ireland’s showjumping high performance director Michael Blake’s nominations for the Games, which are to be officially considered for selection by the Olympic Federation of Ireland.

The nominations are as follows:

Bertram Allen, with Aiden McGrory’s nine-year-old gelding Pacino Amiro (breeder: Simon Scott)
Darragh Kenny, with Lorcan Gallagher & Heathman Farm LLC’s 14-year-old stallion VDL Cartello (breeder: Witt Pferdezucht)
Cian O’Connor, with Susan Magnier’s nine-year-old gelding Kilkenny (breeder Sinead Brennan)
Alternate – Shane Sweetnam, with his own and Seabrook LLC’s 11-year-old mare Karlin Van’t Vennehof (breeder: Jos Voeten)
Reserve – Michael Duffy, with Katherine Duffy and HMF Equestrian’s 10-year-old gelding Zilton SL Z (Breeder: Peter Schollaert)

The official selection of the horse and rider combinations for Tokyo will be made by the Irish Olympic federation in the coming days.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Pacino Amiro: the grand prix showjumper that is ‘obsessed’ with bananas H&H Plus

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 13:32:11 +0000

Bertram Allen describes him as his “next best horse” and already this year he’s won a big-money grand prix and has the hallmark of a championship contender. Jennifer Donald finds out more

Need to know

Pacino Amiro

Breeding: Irish Sport Horse by Pacino out of Carnone Dancing Queen (by NC Amiro)

Rider: Bertram Allen

Breeder: Simon Scott (Ireland)

Owner: Aiden McGrory

Greatest achievements: won CSI5* grand prix and WEF challenge cup, Florida (2021); qualified for the international seven-year-old final at Dublin (2019), jumped at the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses World Breeding Championships as a six-year-old (2018) and finished reserve champion four-year-old at Dublin when ridden by Kenneth Graham.

Rider Bertram Allen

“I’VE had Pacino Amiro since he was a seven-year-old but he’s a very big, sensitive horse and not the most flashy, so I wasn’t totally convinced at the start. But every time the jumps got more difficult, he did it easily – for such a big baby, he was always pretty up to speed. He was raw and there was a lot of work to do so last year, because of Covid, was good for him because I could spend a lot of time with him and he really grew up.

“When you know his quirks, he’s lovely to work with – he’s just a big child of a horse and you have to take your time. If you walk up to him too quickly, he can sometimes get a fright, but he’s kind and gentle, very level-headed, with a lot of scope and always tries to jump clear. With some horses, you’re nervous of what the course-builder is going to produce but you know nothing is going to faze him – he’s a serious horse.

“The plan was to jump him in the bigger classes at the Winter Equestrian Festival [WEF] this year, but you never know if a horse is capable until you go out and do it, so I’m delighted. He could well be a championship horse – whether it’s this year or not, time will tell. At the moment, I just feel very lucky so I’m making the most of it.”

Groom Kate Duffy

“THE first day ‘Buddy’ arrived, I put him out in the field and thought, ‘This horse needs to learn some manners,’ because he was just running away with me. But now I know him inside out and that’s just him – he needs to get to know you first. Once he has his ‘team’ behind him, he’ll happily do whatever you ask of him, he just wants to be your best friend. He’s a funny character – he likes what he likes and he’s very clear about telling you what he doesn’t like!

“Bertram works him first, then he’s always excited to go out in the field – he loves to hang out with his friends and have a buck and a play around. But his main love is bananas, they’re his obsession! Once he’s had time in the paddock and some bananas, he’s a very happy horse.

“He was a bit nervous at shows in the beginning – I think the move from Ireland was quite big for him! But now he’s competing all the time and he knows we’re all there for him, he’s number one man, for sure. Now, if anyone gives him attention, he’ll take it because he thinks everyone is there to watch him. He’s grown in confidence and it’s shown in his results.

“I love watching him in the ring – he takes on everything he sees and seems to grow when he steps into that arena.”

Owner Aiden McGrory

“I’M friends with Pacino Amiro’s breeder Simon Scott, who competed his dam Carnone Dancing Queen, and I thought she was a really super mare. Obviously his sire, Pacino, needs no introduction, so I was immediately fond of this foal and I was eventually able to buy him when he was nearly a year old.

“Even as a four-year-old, he had great athleticism and quality, and he was reserve champion at Dublin at that age. He’s been well placed all through the age classes and he’s always shown that potential for a bigger course. So as soon as I discovered that Bertram had an interest in riding him, I got on the phone as he’s a brilliant rider.

“When Bertram mentioned taking him to America for WEF this year, I thought it was great but I didn’t expect such good results – he jumped exceptionally in his first five-star. I’d love to be there, but I believe he’ll be back next year.

“I usually do a bit of dealing and it’s only in recent years I’ve started to keep some on – this is what every owner wants, it’s an amazing experience.”

This feature is also available to read in this Thursday’s H&H magazine (8 April, 2021)

Bertram Allen’s future star finds winning form in Florida

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 23:58:58 +0000

Irishman Bertram Allen partnered the nine-year-old Pacino Amiro – who he describes as his future top horse – to victory on Friday, January 22, in the $37,000 Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).

“I thought it was a good, tough class, and it was quite a long track in the jump-off,” said Bertram, 25. “My guy is a little bit inexperienced; you could see that at the start of the jump-off but the more he went, the better he got.

“I could use his big stride in the big arena, so it worked well for me. He’s only nine so he’s only stepping up to this level but he’s a very genuine, kind horse that’s always trying do the right thing.”

From a field of 78 entries, 12 elected to return for the jump-off over tracks set by course-designer Oscar Soberon (MEX) where Bertram and the Aiden McGregory-owned Irish Sport Horse (Pacino x Carnone Dancing Queen) opted to take eight strides instead of nine to the final oxer to cross the finish line in 39.72sec.

U.S. rider Paris Sellon produced a fault-free second round aboard the 12-year-old Oldenburg mare Anna Jo (Acodetto 2 x For Pleasure) for Willow Grace Farm, stopping the clock in 40.77sec. Taking the third-place finish was Enrique Gonzalez (MEX) on his own mare Chacna (Chacco-Blue x Narew XX), double clear in 42.40sec.

Bertram said he “loved” jumping on the grass Derby Field.

“The ground and everything is really, really good and the horses love it,” he said. “It’s beautiful. In two weeks, we’re back out here, so I’m going to skip next week just to make sure I can jump as much as I can on the grass. I think it’s brilliant.

“Obviously there’s not much happening in Europe, so we said we’d come over here again,” added Bertram. “We were here last year, and we’re just going to take it week by week. Pacino Amiro is probably going to be my best horse, so I’ll just try to develop him up to the CSI5* shows hopefully.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Gibbs impresses the judges

A field of 26 riders competed for top honors in the Platinum Performance USEF Show Jumping Talent Search 2* where Dominic Gibbs and Mountain King Ranch LLC’s Cent 15 impressed the judges to take home the blue ribbon.

Riders completed the over fences portion of the class before the top 12 were called forward for a flat phase, and although the Colorado Springs, CO, rider described his mount as “spicy” in the first round, he produced a pleasing performance to win.

The pair are into their third Winter Equestrian Festival season together under the tutelage of Beacon Hill Show Stables and Dominic is a big name in the equitation classes with 13-year-old Cent 15.

“My mom and I brought him over from Europe, originally thinking he would be my high junior jumper, but he told us that he likes the equitation,” he said of the Hanoverian gelding, with whom his main aim is to place well in the WEF Equitation Challenge during Week 11.

“He has been a wonderful mount for me and has taken me from being an average 3’3” rider to a very seasoned 3’6” rider. He’s been a great help for me in my equitation career and a wonderful partner to have.”

‘She will be missed’: retirement for mare who took teenager to the top

Lucy Elder — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 15:00:51 +0000

The medal-winning showjumper who helped launch Bertram Allen’s career has retired from the sport aged 15.

Molly Malone V took the Irishman from juniors to his first senior championships, with numerous grands prix wins along the way.

The grey mare was spotted by Bertram’s father Bert as a five-year-old and he bought her for Billy Twomey and Anthony Condon to produce.

Bertram took on the ride three years later and the pair went on to win individual silver at the 2013 junior European Championships in Spain.

The following year, when Bertram was only 18, the pair received the call-up for their first senior championships — the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, where they finished seventh individually.

“Molly propelled me to the top of our sport at a very young age, and for that, I will be eternally grateful,” said Bertram.

“We now look forward to the future where Molly will enter a new era of her career as a breeding mare.”

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In 2015, they finished third in the World Cup final in Las Vegas and the same year were part of the Irish side at the European Championships in Aachen, where they finished 16th.

The mare’s career highlights also include grands prix wins in Lummen, Dublin, Verona, Dinard, Stockholm and Geestern, as well as numerous appearances across the world on Nations Cup teams and the Global Champions Tour.

A statement on Bertram’s website added that Molly has been “absolutely outstanding” throughout her career.

“[She has been] a favourite among the public and her grooms, particularly Marleen Schanwell who has been with her on every step of her incredible journey,” it added. “There is no doubt that she will be missed in the ring.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

‘It’s an honour to ride there’: Scott Brash and Kent Farrington head Windsor entries

Lucy Elder — Tue, 08 May 2018 17:35:52 +0000

Olympic gold medallist Scott Brash is among the showjumping stars entered for the Royal Windsor Horse Show CSI5* this week.

Scott is the only rider to have won the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping, with consecutive grand prix wins at Geneva 2014, Aachen and Spruce Meadows 2015.

“Royal Windsor Horse Show is such a special place to compete,” said Scott.

“Not just because it is in front of the British public, but the atmosphere and setting give it the edge over many other events. The British public love showjumping and it’s an honour to ride there.”

Last year’s Windsor grand prix winner Kent Farrington is also on the start list.

“Windsor is one of my favourite shows,” said the US rider.

“The atmosphere is magic and the spectators are especially knowledgeable and appreciative of horses. Now, with Rolex helping to make this a five-star event, it sits among the finest on the international circuit.”

Ireland’s Bertram Allen, London 2012 individual Olympic gold medallist Steve Guerdat from Switzerland and Canada’s Eric Lamaze are also entered.

They are joined by a host of other top riders, including Kevin Staut from France and six-time Olympian Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil.

Royal Windsor Horse Show runs from 9-13 May, with the international showjumping starting on Thursday (10 May).

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Olympic champions go for a spin on the beach

While the rest of us slithered across icy yards and trudged through snow drifts last week, the riders on the

An estimated 55,000 spectators are expected over the five days.

“Royal Windsor Horse Show continues to grow year-on-year,” said show director Simon Brooks-Ward.

“We are making our mark as one of the best international shows in the world, and we are delighted to have Rolex on board for this journey.”

Course designer Bob Ellis said he looks forward “every year” to setting the course for the “world’s best”.

“This year will be a testing challenge for all who enter the famed Castle Arena,” he added.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Also inside this week’s edition, 75 years of Royal Windsor Horse Show magic, ‘big dreamer’ sets up eventing grand slam bid and investment sparks debate over grass versus surfaces.

I finally get to be a jockey’: Bertram Allen to make race-riding debut

Lucy Elder — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 09:53:42 +0000

Leading Irish showjumper Bertram Allen is switching disciplines in a bid to raise €30,000 (£26,219) for charity.

The European gold medallist has revealed that he will be taking part in a charity race at Punchestown on 28 April.

The race is in aid of the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund and Bertram is also encouraging people to sign up to the organ donor register.

“The Punchestown kidney research race is something that I’m really looking forward to,” said Bertram.

“Over the past five years my family and I have supported this great cause and this year I finally get the chance to be a jockey for the day.

“By lending my support to this great cause I want to raise as much money as possible for the charity but I also want to raise awareness for something that is affecting so many families.

“All donations would be greatly appreciated and if I could encourage you to carry a donor card also that would be great.”

The charity flat race was first held in 1990 and is staged on the final day of Punchestown Festival.

It is run over 1 mile seven furlongs and was won last year by Ian Haughan on Mr Boss Man.

Over the past 28 years, the race has raised more than €1.4million (£1.2m) and contributed to numerous projects.

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While this will be Bertram’s first experience of race-riding, he is no stranger to speed — as his is jump-off record shows.

He won medals at European pony, junior and young rider level and made his senior squad debut aged 17 at the Austrian leg of the 2013 FEI Nations Cup series, where he jumped double clear.

In 2014 he finished seventh individually at the World Equestrian Games and last year was part of the gold medal-winning team at the 2017 European Championships.

This year, Bertram already has seven international wins to his name as well as dozens of top 10 placings.

The 24-year-old is currently competing in the Miami leg of the Global Champions Tour and has had considerable success in the series in recent years.

Click here to sponsor Bertram

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

‘We’re ready to win a medal’: Irish showjumping team named for Euros

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 11:41:34 +0000

The Irish squad will do “everything in our power” to bring home a medal from the European Showjumping Championships in Gothenburg (23-27 August).

Team manager Rodrigo Pessoa has named his four combinations and reserve for the championships, his first major competition since he took the job in March.

The team, sponsored by Devenish and The Underwriting Exchange, is:

Bertram Allen with Noel Delahunty/Connaught Bloodstock’s Hector Van D’Abdijhoeve

Cian O’Connor with Adena Springs and Ronnoco Jump Ltd’s Good Luck

Denis Lynch with his own and Thomas Straumann’s All Star 5

Shane Sweetnam with his own and Spy Coast Farm’s Chaqui Z

The reserve is Mark McAuley with Eva Lundin’s Miebello

Rodrigo said he believes his riders are ready to challenge for a medal.

“As of today, I think this is the best team that Ireland has to offer,” he said.

“In the view of Horse Sport Ireland’s high performance jumping committee and on paper, this is a team that has the potential to fight for a team medal and maybe an individual medal as well.

“Since the beginning of the year, we have tried to instil with our riders transparency and good communication. I hope the riders and owners all appreciate that. Now, for the next few weeks, our goal is to keep the horses healthy and to get ready for our first big championships together.”

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Rodrigo thanked all the owners involved in this year’s Nations Cup series, adding: “They have made their horses available and we really appreciate that.

“Myself and the entire team and backroom staff will do everything in our power to bring back a medal. We will face tough competition, but we are ready.”

Don’t miss the 17 August edition of H&H for a full European Championships preview.

‘He gave me the jumping bug’: Meet Bertram Allen’s free-range first pony

Amanda Vlietstra — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 11:06:24 +0000

Top Irish showjumper Bertram Allen, 23, is currently ranked number 17 in the prestigious Longines FEI rankings, but like many top riders, he began his career in Pony Club.

“My sister Grace and I had such great times with the Island Pony Club,” he said in an interview for the Irish Pony Club website. “The games were very competitive, but such great fun. We all learned so much about the importance of team work.”

Bertram’s two trusty steeds were Misty, a chestnut mare that he rode to glory aged 10 in 2005, competing for Island Pony Club in the Ireland Mounted Games, and who was still competing in Pony Club games last year – and Magic Shadow, a ‘Heinz 57 variety’ pony standing at a petite 126cms on whom young Bertram won the 128cm championships at Dublin Horse Show when he was 11 years old.

Bertram's first pony, Magic (27) enjoys his life in retirement by walking freely around our yard, spending his days exactly as he wishes. Learn more about our little sweety:-)Posted by Bertram Allen on Wednesday, June 21, 2017

“Magic was a brilliant pony for us,” Bertram recalls. “I rode him and so did my sisters after me. He was a total sweetheart – no pony-style bucking or bad behaviour from him! He could easily pop 110cms. He did used to get a bit excited and strong at the end of a round of show jumping though, and would get to the end of the ring before I could stop him!.”

Now aged 27, Magic is still part of Bertram’s herd, living with him and Bertram’s sister April at their busy yard in Hunxe, Germany. Described by the siblings as ‘the Boss,’ little Magic has the run of the yard and is allowed to free-range – often finding his way to Bertram’s fields where he hangs out with his horse friends Izzy and Casper. He also enjoys sneaking into the empty stables cleaning out the feeders. However, Bertram says he has to be stabled regularly, ‘Or he’d get too fat!’

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Food is clearly the way to Magic’s heart. ‘Polos are his favourite treat,’ Bertram says.

Bertram clearly still adores Magic – and credits the little pony for paving the way to his great success.

“He was a great jumper, and I won a lot of stuff on him – the crowning glory being the Dublin Horse Show. Every kid in Ireland wants to win that! Magic definitely gave me the showjumping bug.”

Keep up to date with the latest equestrian news, features, reports and more, in Horse & Hound magazine, every Thursday.

Ireland chooses showjumper ranked 252nd in the world over top 10 rider for Rio

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 12:38:46 +0000

Greg Broderick and MHS Going Global have been nominated to represent Ireland at the Rio Olympics, with Bertram Allen, Denis Lynch and Cian O’Connor as reserves.

Team manager Robert Splaine said it was a “difficult decision” but that the pair are “at the very top of their form”.

The combination jumped a double clear to help Ireland to victory in the Nations Cup in St Gallen, Switzerland, at the weekend (3 June), following it up with a double clear and fourth place in the grand prix (5 June). Cian finished seventh in the grand prix and Bertram lowered one fence in the jump-off to take ninth place.

Robert said: “This has been a very difficult decision to make as we are fortunate that our four main contenders for the place are very strong.

“Greg Broderick and MHS Going Global have been outstanding contributors for Ireland in Nations Cups and have been consistent clear round jumpers at five-star level.

“Their performance in St Gallen shows they are a combination at the very top of their form.”

Greg, 31, is currently 252nd in the FEI rankings, while Bertram is at 10, Denis 32 and London 2012 bronze medallist Cian is 58th.

Ireland secured its individual showjumping slot for Rio in March thanks to Bertram Allen’s Olympic ranking. Denis Lynch just missed out on achieving a second place, instead securing the first reserve slot, should another country not be able to take up its qualification.

Under Olympic rules, individual places are allocated to the country of the individual who secures them, rather than directly to that rider.

At the time, Horse Sport Ireland chairman Professor Patrick Wall said: “Great credit is due to Bertram Allen, and to Denis Lynch for the efforts they went to in trying to secure the places for Team Ireland.

“Team Ireland Equestrian is in a great place now with phenomenal talent and I’m confident we can produce the goods in Rio.”

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Ireland missed out on qualifying a team for Rio, losing out to Spain by 0.380 of a penalty at the European Championships in Aachen (21 August, 2015).

A member of the arena party ran in front of Cian in the final round of the team competition and he lowered the next fence, but Ireland’s appeal was dismissed. Cian said at the time he was “totally gutted”.

The three reserves are Cian with Good Luck, Bertram with Molly Malone V and Denis with All Star 5.

‘It was an incredible year’: Bertram Allen wins prestigious award

Hannah Lemieux — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 17:32:01 +0000

Young star Bertram Allen made a trip back to his native Ireland yesterday (Monday, 8 February) having been named The Irish Field showjumper of the year.

It was the second year running the talented Irishman has picked up the prestigious jumping award at the ceremony held in Co Kildare.

The Wexford-born rider, who is now based in Hünxe, Germany, has enjoyed global success over the past year. His 2015 achievements included third in the World Cup final in Las Vegas riding the popular mare Molly Malone V. He followed this by becoming the youngest rider to win a Global Champions Tour (GCT) grand prix when partnering the experienced Romanov in Paris in July.

The 20-year-old is currently ranked ninth in the Longines FEI world showjumping rankings.

However, his personal highlight from last year came on home turf, when he helped the Irish senior team to victory in the Aga Khan Nations Cup at Dublin Horse Show in August.

“It’s always nice to get the recognition at home. It was an incredible year. The highlight for me was definitely the Aga Khan win,” said Bertram.

He has also been nominated for an FEI rising star award, but more impressively he is on track to earn his country an individual spot at this year’s Rio Olympics — after a controversial European Championships, where Ireland failed to qualify a team.

The country lost out to Spain by just 0.38 faults, after Cian O’Connor claimed his mount Good Luck was distracted by a member of the arena party.

“Hopefully myself and Denis [Lynch] are going to win two qualifying spots for Rio, he’s going really well too, so that’s going to be the big goal for this year. The Olympics is the pinnacle of any sportsman’s career — it’s the one that everyone wants,” he added.

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“This year is going to be a very busy one and we are probably looking at doing four nations cup events. I’ll have to sit down with Robert Splaine [the Irish chef d’equipe] and look at the schedule nearer the time.

“It’s a matter of keeping the horses fresh and keeping yourself fresh as well. It’s a huge team effort from everyone involved.

“You have to have talent, focus and keep the horses and yourself healthy and happy,” he added.

Do FEI rules need a revamp? H&H investigates H&H VIP

Pippa Cuckson — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 08:55:17 +0000

Why can a showjumper be disqualified, and splashed all over the national news, for accidentally catching his horse with a spur when an endurance horse can bear open wounds for 20km before anything is done?

That question is still being asked weeks after the controversial disqualification of Bertram Allen (pictured, top) from the Olympia grand prix.

Peter Charles is the latest to weigh in (comment, 21 January) while the almost prohibitive time-frame for spotting rule breaches or protesting against field-of-play decisions — 30 minutes after the confirmation of results — was criticised by Mhairi Alexander (news, 7 January), the lawyer who tried to help Bertram.

Inconsistencies in interpretation, clear differences in the way disciplines approach welfare rules, and the limited extent of rider involvement in creating the rulebook have all been aired.

One further complication is that FEI General Regulations (GRs) and FEI Veterinary Regulations will always prevail over a contradictory sport-specific rule.

This was highlighted two years ago in the successful H&H-backed protest over the CEI Sakhir, Bahrain endurance horse-beating incident, where the FEI Tribunal applied the GRs as well as FEI endurance rules to decide the rider should be disqualified, not just handed a yellow card.

The set of rules varying most widely sport to sport is that regarding whips, in both scope and presentation. Six disciplines file whips under “saddlery and tack”. Yet FEI driving lists them under the “cruelty” heading, and eventing under “abuse”.

The rules’ ineffectiveness was highlighted in 2010 when US showjumper Michael Morrissey hit his horse 13 times after a refusal during World Equestrian Games (WEG) selection trials.

Four FEI judges were later reprimanded for not acting on the day. It was only after YouTube footage went viral that the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) suspended Michael for three months.

However, joined-up thinking can have practical difficulties, despite likely public perceptions that beating a horse is wrong under any circumstances.

An FEI spokesman said: “In driving, a whip is used to ask for forward movement of the horses, along with the voice. In reining, no whips are used, and in vaulting the whip is used to ensure steadiness of the horse rather than fast, forward movement.”

Eventing under pressure?

There are concerns that eventing is obliged to “borrow” too many rules from FEI dressage and showjumping.

Mark Todd criticised the invidiousness of literal interpretations when William Fox-Pitt and Freddie Mac were eliminated from the 2013 CIC3* at Blenheim for using hind boots prohibited in jumping’s young horse classes — rules are aimed at horses under seven.

Blenheim’s “young” competition is for eight- and nine-year olds.

FEI eventing rules are due for a major review this year, though not a total rewrite. But for now the jumping boot rule remains.

The only changes in eventing equipment for 2016 are alterations to ear covers and clarification over a style of bitting.

The FEI rejects assertions that there is insufficient consultation with riders. Stakeholders can suggest changes “at any time”.

But equally, few riders wish to get deeply involved. In 2014, just 26, drawn from 10 of the FEI’s 132 member nations, applied for eight seats on sport technical committees.

Turnout was also poor, with only 58 of the 632 eligible riders voting for the dressage candidates, where the Italian rider Anna Campanella beat Laura Tomlinson.

H&H asked the FEI for examples of any athlete-initiated rule-changes. It provided just one — increasing the FEI World Cup vaulting time by 20 seconds, to 1 min 20s.

But with controversial, welfare-related rules, forcing change is less easy.

Blood rules still differ widely between each sport, though the FEI has recently aligned reining closer to dressage, vaulting to showjumping, and driving to eventing.

Dressage at Hickstead supremo Dane Rawlins has been involved, along with the international dressage trainers’ and riders’ clubs, in trying to ease zero tolerance for blood — another controversy headlined in 2010, when Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival (pictured, below), then the world number ones, were disqualified at WEG.

“We make progress, but slowly,” he said.

WEG 28.09.10. Andelinde Cornelissen on Jerich Parzival with blood in mouth. (Image credit: TREVOR MEEKS)

FEI dressage clarified its blood rule after Kentucky, though rejected the suggestion of top trainer Sjeff Janssen that horses could restart later if the blood cleared promptly, as in FEI reining.

Dane said: “You have to be able to distinguish between the small accidents we all know can happen with horses, and deliberately hauling on its mouth.

“If the blood is spotted in the arena, it should still be disqualification. But if it is not seen until the horse has finished its test, provided it clears quickly the horse should be allowed to remain in the class and for the rest of the show. This could work for other disciplines.

“Current blood rules deal with matters historically, doing nothing to protect welfare going forward. There isn’t even a vet check, so what’s to stop the horse turning up at another show next day with no further investigation!”

Rule-making at a glance

Who decides FEI rules?

National federations, the FEI Bureau, the FEI discipline directors at FEI headquarters in Lausanne and each sport’s voluntary technical committees, after a consultation process. The FEI Sports Forum, launched in 2012, provides a platform for public debate. New rules must secure a two-thirds majority vote at the FEI general assembly, to apply from 1 January the following year.

How do riders get their say?

Via clubs such as the Eventing Riders Association, International Dressage Riders’ Club and the International Jumping Riders’ Club. Through similar associations, trainers and officials have input. Anyone can make suggestions “at any time.” Sport technical committees now have athletes’ representatives, including British team eventer Daisy Berkeley.

Do the disciplines liaise about rules of common interest?

Yes, though department heads at Lausanne are the principal point of contact.

Has any disciplines’ rules been entirely rewritten from scratch?

No. The core rules have been revised, with all alterations viewable online.

Can members of the public make suggestions?

Yes, though they should approach this via their national federation.

Backlash against FEI rules after controversial Olympia disqualification H&H VIP

Horse & Hound — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 10:55:01 +0000

Cian O’Connor: ‘I feel for Bertram Allen’ H&H VIP

Horse & Hound — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 10:26:56 +0000

I feel for my teammate Bertram Allen who annihilated the opposition to “win” the grand prix at Olympia, the London International Horse Show.

The general consensus among the top riders was that the FEI rule needs to be reviewed regarding mandatory disqualification. In my view, over zealous stewarding compounded by some apathetic actions brought the sport and this great show into the spotlight for the wrong reasons.

Olympia is one of my favourite shows. My top horse Good Luck is in quarantine so I rode two horses borrowed from my students. Coco II went clear in Saturday’s 1.55m and I was very pleased with Super Sox (pictured top), who finished sixth in the Longines FEI World Cup leg. It’s his first season at this level, so he’s still learning — the ring at Olympia is tight and the jumps come up fast.

The surface is like a trampoline and the horses jump so well on it. The World Cup produced 17 clears in the first round. Course-designer Bernardo Costa Cabral may wish he had gone wider with some of the oxers — we competitors may say there were too many clears, but for the paying spectators it was a thrilling conclusion.

You may pick up bigger prize money at other five star shows, but the exposure you get from competing at Olympia — via the BBC and Eurosport— can offer superior spin-offs, which is great for both riders and owners.

Don’t miss Horse & Hound’s full report from Olympia, the London International Horse Show in 24 December magazine.

H&H 24 December

H&H head of sport’s blog: what’s the real question in the Bertram Allen saga?

Pippa Roome — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 16:09:01 +0000

Social media was abuzz this morning after last night’s (Monday, 21 December) controversial events at Olympia. Irish rider Bertram Allen was eliminated from the grand prix having recorded the fastest time in the jump-off when blood was found on Quiet Easy 4’s flank at the mandatory post-competition check.

Let me start by telling you what I know, which may be relevant.

While I do not know Bertram well, I have watched him ride live at four events, all this year — the World Cup final in Las Vegas, the European Championships in Aachen, the Global Champions Tour final in Doha and at Olympia in the World Cup qualifier on Sunday afternoon.

On each occasion he has struck me as an extraordinarily talented jockey, skilled way beyond his tender years. He is also a rider with a notably sympathetic and light style — he is fabulous against the clock because he has the ability to ride fast and forward without fear, barely touching his horse’s mouth. His mounts respond to that with willingness and brilliance.

I have spoken to Bertram a few times. This makes me sound like his grandmother, but he seems a polite and pleasant young man. He is also shy — speaking to the media does not come naturally to him, but he is obliging and I have never detected a trace of attitude behind the fact he is not the most voluble of riders. From what I have seen of what he said to the press last night, I am impressed by the way he conducted himself in a very difficult and upsetting situation — the quotes I have seen are eloquent, balanced and considered.

I do not know any of the stewards in this case. Let me qualify that. I may know them — but I was not in the collecting ring at Olympia last night and I have not, as yet, looked up their names.

However, I have met many FEI stewards and other officials and I know a few pretty well. They are generally deeply entrenched in the sport, generous with their time (and money — no one became rich being an FEI official), conscientious, kind-hearted and fair-minded. They are also not shrinking violets. They couldn’t do their jobs if they were.

Let me tell you what I believe.

I do not believe the way Bertram rode yesterday compromised horse welfare. Having seen the round online and watched him ride on several previous occasions, I would be very surprised if he would do anything which might be damaging to his horse. This was, I believe, an unfortunate scratch and while it’s never nice to see a horse marked by a spur, there are many worse things which can happen to horses which go unseen and unpunished.

However, I also believe the stewards and officials did their job correctly. No official wants to eliminate competitors. Their dream is a hassle-free, smooth-running competition. But the rule in question here is not open to interpretation or discretion. Any horse with blood on its flank, however little, is eliminated. It’s a completely black and white situation. A steward who turned a blind eye or a ground jury who bent the rule would not be carrying out their duties correctly.

Let me tell you what I’m unsure about.

The question really here is this: should the rule be changed? Should officials be able to use discretion to decide whether a horse should be eliminated in situations like this, or whether the blood is so insignificant that it can be disregarded?

The latter seems like a sensible solution, but it puts a lot of pressure on officials to decide where the line lies. If people are steward-bashing now, when the officials had no choice, how much worse would it be if they knew there was an element of discretion?

I’d hate to think also of the worst case scenario — that one corrupt steward decides for whatever reason, whether nationalistic interests, personal connections or simply the fact he can’t take the hassle, to disregard a serious amount of blood. He and the rider or connections wipe the blood away surreptitiously, throw the winner’s rug over the horse’s back to cover his flanks and he trots into the prize-giving in a good deal of discomfort. That’s not what we want for our sport.

This is a tough subject and there is no right answer. I hope the FEI take the time to re-examine and re-debate this rule. If there is a commonsense solution which would have avoided the desperately sad events we saw last night but which would still keep the horse’s welfare as our number one priority, that would be brilliant. But I am not sure how easy it will be to word such a rule change to ensure the right outcome for both horse welfare and sport in every case.

Full Olympia report in H&H this week, out Thursday, 24 December.

Olympia grand prix drama: Bertram Allen’s appeal rejected

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 10:19:52 +0000

Michael Whitaker and Viking remain the winners of the Olympia grand prix, after an appeal by the connections of Quiet Easy 4 was dismissed.

In a dramatic conclusion to the class last night (Monday, 21 December) Bertram Allen and Quiet Easy, owned by Quainton Stud, were disqualified after blood was found on the horse’s offside flank.

Pic @RTEsport @TheIrishFieldHW pic.twitter.com/hgbEMd7BY4Pic @RTEsport @TheIrishFieldHW pic.twitter.com/hgbEMd7BY4— Brendan McArdle (@McArdleBrendan) December 21, 2015— Brendan McArdle (@McArdleBrendan) December 21, 2015

The chestnut sped round in 30.45sec for the 20-year-old Irish rider.

Under FEI rules elimination is mandatory for blood on the flank.

The combination was disqualified by the ground jury under article 242.3.1 of the FEI jumping rules.

The blood was found by the FEI steward tasked with the mandatory post-competition boot and bandage control

Mhairi Alexander, who had been appointed by Bertram and Emma Phillips of Quainton Stud to speak on their behalf, lodged an appeal.

However, after hearing from the ground jury, the FEI steward and the appointed representative of the rider, the appeal committee upheld the decision of the ground jury that Bertram was correctly disqualified.

Michael and Viking were left to collect the spoils, finishing on 32.05s.

Bertram said he was “utterly devastated” to have been disqualified.

“I’m just speechless,” he said. “I have a fantastic relationship with all of my horses and their welfare is paramount. My foot must have slipped against Quiet Easy’s side as I was riding against the clock. He’s a sensitive horse and it was just a tiny nick.”

Michael added that it was a “bittersweet victory”.

“This class belonged to Bertram — I was second. I saw his horse when he came out of the arena and could barely see a mark on him.”

A further controversy

It was the second controversy of the day at the London International Horse Show, after Norwegian rider Victoria Gulliksen was denied the number one spot and disqualified from the international six-bar competition.

She had entered the class when the rules had specifically stated that she could not do so and was only invited to take part in the puissance.

“Sadly there was a mistake, on my part, as I genuinely thought my national federation had received permission for me to enter the six-bar,” she said.

The ground jury of the show spotted the error but too late to take action.

For a full report on Olympia, don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H, out Thursday 24 December.

‘I’m utterly devastated’: Drama on final night of Olympia as winner is eliminated VIDEO

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 23:44:26 +0000

There was drama until the very end at the Olympia Horse Show tonight (21 December) when the winner of the Olympia Grand Prix, Bertram Allen was eliminated.

The Irish competitor rode a blistering round in the 15-strong jump-off on Quainton Stud’s Quiet Easy to finish double clear in a time of 30.45 seconds, nearly two seconds faster than his nearest rival, Michael Whitaker.

But as soon as Bertram left the international arena, the drama unfolded as it was discovered Quiet Easy had blood coming from a small cut on her offside caused by Bertram’s spur.

Bertram Allen riding Quiet Easy 4 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

The 20-year-old was visibly emotional after it became apparent that he was eliminated.

“I’m utterly devastated, just speechless,” he says. “I have a fantastic relationship with all of my horses and their welfare is paramount. My foot must have slipped against Quiet Easy’s side as I was riding against the clock. He’s a sensitive horse and it was just a tiny nick,” he continued.

Bertram says that the discussion between the horse’s owners and officials in ongoing and that “they will probably appeal the decision”.

In a show of real sportsmanship, Michael Whitaker, who was promoted to the top spot as a result of the ruling riding the super-consistent 13-year-old Viking, gave his first place rosette to Bertram.

Michael said: “This is a bittersweet victory for me. Bertram won this really, and that’s the feeling among all the riders here this evening. This class belonged to him — I was second. I saw his horse when he came out of the arena and could barely see a mark on him.

“I’m very pleased with Viking though. He was fast and if it hadn’t been for me adding a stride to fence two in the jump-off I think I would have been a lot closer to Bertram’s time,” continues Michael who last won this class in 1992.

Michael Whitaker riding Viking (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Second place went to Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum who was paying his first visit to Olympia in eight years.

Riding the impressive 12-year-old mare Chiara, the three-time Olympic champion clocked a double clear round in a time of 32.09 seconds.

Ludger said: “I’m pleased with my horse’s performance, but I’m not happy about the final result this evening. Bertram and his horse were the best combination in this class and they deserved to win. I had to put my glasses on to see where the tiny mark was.”

Third place went to Germany again. This time it was Marcus Ehning riding Gin Chin van het Lindenhof, who jumped clear in a time of 32.13 seconds.

Of the 32 starters, 15 jumped clear in the first round, with the middle part of the treble combination catching many riders out.

There were then eight clears in the jump-off.

Robert Whitaker was the next best placed British rider in sixth place riding Catwalk IV who jumped clear in a time of 32.43 seconds.

Scott Brash looked to be in with a chance riding Hello Forever, when a very tight turn to the second-last resulted in a stop.

For the full Olympia report, don’t miss this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, out on Thursday 24 December.

Bertram Allen wins fleet of new cars in Stockholm

Hannah Lemieux — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 17:35:44 +0000

Young Irish showjumper Bertram Allen took the limelight during Stockholm’s CSI4* show this weekend (27-29 November) as well as driving home with not just one — but three — brand new cars.

Bertram claimed a double victory at Sweden’s three-day international show aboard Quainton Stud’s chestnut gelding Quiet Easy. His biggest win came in Sunday’s grand prix, where the pair were one of six combinations to qualify for the jump-off.

In the final round, just three riders managed to complete on a double clear. Bertram fended off runners-up Germany’s Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Aspara by 2.5 seconds.

“The grand prix was big, a true four-star track, and was up-to-height. I was really pleased with how Quiet Easy went, he’s got a lot of blood and is very careful,” Bertram told H&H.

“It was a competitive class with the likes of Meredith up against me. It was certainly a successful weekend. I won two Volkswagen cars for taking both the grand prix and Saturday’s speed class, and then a third for being the show’s leading rider. I was also competing my young seven-year-old, Cheese WZ, and he was well placed over the weekend too.”

Ben Maher and Diva II had to settle for second behind Bertram and Quiet Easy in Saturday’s speed class, the Volkswagen Cup trophy. Along with his winning car, the 20-year-old Irishman pocketed €22,400 (£15,700).

Meanwhile in the Netherlands, the Allen family flag continued to be flown — this time by Bertram’s 14-year-old brother Harry. Clearly following in his older brother’s successful steps, the youngster notched up two consecutive wins in the Children on Horses classes at Lichtenvoorde. He partnered Bertram’s former ride, the Ballywalter Farms-owned mare, Wild Thing L, to both victories.

Fellow Irish rider, Conor Swail, continued a flourishing weekend for his home nation by triumphing in the four-star grand prix in Florida riding the 10-year-old mare Viva Colombia.

Scott Brash squeaks into second round of GCT Final grand prix

Pippa Roome — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 16:31:13 +0000

Britain’s Scott Brash is still in the hunt for the overall Longines Global Champions Tour series title — but only just.

The championship is decided after tonight’s grand prix (14 November) at Al Shaqab, Doha. The top 18 from the first round qualify for the second round and Scott is sitting in 18th place after the first round.

The world number one and Hello Sanctos rattled the back bar of fence seven, but it stayed put. However, their luck ran out at the influential double at fence nine and the front pole fell on the oxer out of the combination.

Eight riders went clear, three of them with time-faults. The fastest four-faulters join them in the second round and Scott, who jumped from 28th draw in a class of 45, had an anxious wait to see if he would be fast enough to make it through. He did — but in 18th place, so he will be first to jump in the next round.

Scott’s two rivals for the overall title both went clear. Portugal’s Luciana Diniz put in the fastest clear with Fit For Fun so will jump last, straight after Sweden’s Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, who managed the second-fastest fault-free round with Casall ASK.

To take the overall title, Rolf has to win the class, with Scott and Luciana placed fourth or lower. Assuming Rolf does not win the class, Luciana has to finish a minimum of fifth and ahead of Scott to take the series.

The other three British riders failed to qualify for the next round. Michael Whitaker hit the front bars of the oxers at fences seven and 13 with Viking and his brother John also faulted at fence seven with Ornellaia, as well as incurring a time-fault. Ben Maher and Diva II lowered fences six, seven and eight.

Ireland has one combination through to the next round — Bertram Allen sped on after having fence 9b down with Molly Malone V and recorded the fastest performance with four faults.

Check back later for a final update on the GCT Final from Doha. Full report in H&H magazine next week, out Thursday, 19 November.

Irish take two third places, but Brits out of luck on first day of GCT Final show in Doha VIDEO

Pippa Roome — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 20:14:46 +0000

Irish riders collected two third places on the first day of the Longines Global Champions Tour (GCT) Final show in Doha today (12 November). But the four British riders in the CSI5* finished out of the money in both classes.

Eighteen went clear in this evening’s jump-off class, but the third to go in the jump-off, Moroccan rider Abdelkebir Ouaddar, set a blistering pace for a time of 37.97sec. He and the 11-year-old Diamant De Semilly son Quickly De Kreisker could not be caught and claimed the €30,195 first prize.

“I’m very happy with my horse, he’s a fast horse and he jumped superbly,” he said.

Ireland’s Bertram Allen and Molly Malone V (pictured top) are speed specialists and their 39.14sec netted them third, behind Germany’s Hans-Dieter Dreher (Cool And Easy), who stopped the clock in 38.72sec.

“I knew I was quite fast, but I knew there was no chance of catching Abdelkebir — that was an unbelievable round,” said Bertram. “But I’m happy with third, she jumped very good.”

The first CSI5* class today was a two-phase, where riders who went clear immediately progressed to the second section against the clock.

Top honours went to Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano on the nine-year-old mare Guess, who recorded a time of 26.83sec.

“She has a huge canter and that’s why she won — the arena suited her,” said Emanuele. “I watched Bertram [who finished fourth on Quiet Easy] and took one less stride to the combination than him.”

Young Egyptian rider Abdel Said claimed second place with Luron SZ, while Cian O’Connor took third for the Emerald Isle. His ride was the nine-year-old Super Sox.

“I didn’t go mad with him — I wanted to get him in a rhythm as I’m jumping him in the big class tomorrow,” said Cian. “I kept it smooth and did a tight turn to the first and the second to last, which made up a bit of time without blowing him.”

Tomorrow riders will compete in another jump-off class, but the main focus of the week is Saturday’s grand prix, which carries big prize-money in its own right, but will also determine the winner of the 2015 GCT series. Britain’s Scott Brash currently leads the rankings and is one of three riders who could take the overall title.

But the Brits were out of luck today. Scott jumped his top horse Hello Sanctos in the jump-off class, but in the first round he hit the black upright at fence six and the back bar of the double at eight, plus he had two time-faults. And Hello Forever played up in the earlier competition, refusing fence five. Scott returned to that corner of the arena after finishing his round, but the horse was still behaving somewhat erratically.

Ben Maher and John Whitaker also had faults in both classes, but Michael Whitaker put in a steady double clear with Viking in the two-phase.

More updates from Doha online over the next two days. Full report in Horse & Hound magazine next Thursday (19 November).

British stars on the shortlist for FEI awards

Lucy Elder — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 07:25:34 +0000

William Fox-Pitt, Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro’s groom Alan Davies are among the list of Brits that have been shortlisted for the 2015 FEI Awards.

A total of 29 candidates — seven of which are British — are up for prizes that will be presented at a gala dinner at the FEI general assembly in Brazil on 13 November.

Alan has been nominated for the best groom prize along with fellow Brit Imogen Mercer, who works for eventer Sam Griffiths.

This award recognises “behind the scenes team members who work around the clock” to give their horses the best possible care and attention.

“I’m really lucky, looking back I have always enjoyed my career,” Alan told H&H.

“Over nearly 30 years I have worked with some of the best riders, horses and grooms in the world and you never stop learning.”

Joining Alan and Imogen on the shortlist is Jennider Arnsten (USA vaulting team), Marlen Schannwell (Bertram Allen), Jose Eduardo Garcia Luna (Steffen Peters) and Zoltan Herczeg (Jessica von Bredow-Werndl).

Charlotte Dujardin and William Fox-Pitt have made the shortlist for the Reem Acra best athlete category.

Also nominated is Boyd Exell, Jaques Ferrari, Ingrid Klimke and Jeroen Dubbeldam.

Showjumper Jessica Mendoza, who made her senior championship debut at the Europeans in Aachen this year, is on the list for the Longines rising star accolade.

This is for equestrians aged between 14-21 who demonstrate “outstanding sporting talent”.

World record-breaker Phoebe Peters has also made the shortlist for the rising star award.

Dressage rider Phoebe, 16, made history at the pony European championships in Malmö, Sweden (5-9 August) after breaking world records in the individual test and the freestyle.

As well as winning two individual gold medals, Phoebe was also part of the British gold medal-winning team.

Phoebe and Jessica are up against Ireland’s Bertram Allen, Juan Matute Jr from Spain, Kelsey Russell from the USA and Germany’s Gina Schumacher.

Four-star eventer Ben Hobday has been put forward for the Against All Odds category.

Ben was diagnosed with cancer in June and is now returning to riding following treatment.

Also nominated are Gerado Tazzer from Mexico, Oriana Ricci Mannisille from Uruguay, Austria’s Pepo Puch and Rixt van der Horst from the Netherlands.

Hollywood actress Bo Derek, chair of the jury for this year’s awards, will present the honours.

Bertram Allen out of action after fall at major show

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 13:40:49 +0000

Top Irish rider Bertram Allen is set for a spell on the sidelines after breaking his collarbone.

The 20-year-old was riding his new horse Hector Van d’Abdijhoeve (not pictured) at the Glock Horse Performance Centre, Treffen in Germany yesterday (Thursday, 27 August) when the horse stumbled through a fence.

Bertram came off, breaking his collarbone.

A spokesman from Horse Sport Ireland told H&H that they had “no indication” on how long Bertram’s recovery could take, but that the rider was having surgery in Germany today (Friday, 28 August).

Bertram is currently the highest Irish rider in the world rankings, standing at number five.

Earlier this year he was named Irish Field senior showjumper of the year. Aged 19 at the time (February), Bertram was the youngest rider to receive the award following a remarkable year.

Hector Van d’Abdijhoeve has only recently been taken on by Bertram. The eight-year-old was formerly ridden by Irish showjumper Thomas O’Brien.

The horse recently made his 1.60m debut in Lisbon finishing with five faults.

Bertram also represented Ireland at last week’s FEI European Showjumping Championships (18-23 August) in Aachen. He finished 11th individually with grey mare Molly Malone V.

However, the Irish team narrowly missed out on qualifying for Rio 2016 by just 0.38 of a penalty.

During the final team round Cian had jumped clear up to fence 10 and was rounding the mound on a right-hand turn to fence 11 when a member of the arena crew ran across in front of Good Luck. He then had the next jump down.

However, the appeal committee rejected the Irish appeal over interference during Cian O’Connor’s round, leaving the Irish team without a spot for Rio 2016.

Discover which showjumpers will ride for Ireland in Aachen

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 14:55:08 +0000

Young showjumping sensation Bertram Allen is one of five riders selected for the Irish squad for next week’s FEI European Showjumping Championships (19-23 August).

Bertram and Molly Malone V are joined by Greg Broderick and MHS Going Global, Darragh Kenny and Sans Soucis Z, Denis Lynch and All Star 5 and Cian O’Connor and Good Luck.

Ireland’s showjumping manager Robert Splaine made the selection after a strong performance by the country during the home leg of the Nations Cup last week (7 August).

The Irish team picked up the Aga Khan trophy at the Dublin Horse Show, and the team includes four of the riders — except Denis — and three of the horses that helped Ireland to victory.

Ireland fields a strong squad for the championships.

“We are very capable of being competitive at the Europeans and the Olympics if we qualify,” said Robert after the Nations Cup win.

Cian O’Connor won individual bronze at London 2012, while Bertram finished best of the Irish (seventh individually) at last summer’s World Equestrian Games.

Last month he became the youngest rider to win a Global Champions Tour (GCT) grand prix, when he took the Paris class.

Darragh also competed at last year’s WEG, while Cian and Denis have both represented Ireland at past Olympics.

Greg makes his championship debut.

However, like Team GBR, Ireland are yet to qualify for next year’s Olympics in Rio.

To do so they must finish in the top three of the non-qualified nations.

The Netherlands, France, Germany and Sweden have already qualified, so the teams face stiff competition from nations including Belgium, Switzerland and Spain.

At London 2012 Ireland failed to qualify a team, but secured individual spaces for Cian and Billy Twomey, with Cian picking up the individual bronze medal.

There was controversy at the time, with a review launched to establish why the Republic could not qualify a team – despite having two riders in the world’s top 11 and five in the top 100.

Ireland’s Olympic ride has not always been smooth.

In 2008 Ireland also failed to qualify a team, sending Denis as an individual. He was subsequently disqualified after his horse Lantinus tested positive for capsaicin.

In 2004 Cian O’Connor was stripped of individual gold after his horse Waterford Crystal failed a dope test.

Watch Ben Maher ride dead-heat in Paris jump-off [VIDEO]

Hannah Lemieux — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 10:12:30 +0000

A remarkable battle took place between Ben Maher, riding his grey mare Cella, and Egypt’s Karim El Zoghby (Amelia) in the CSI5* class during the eigth leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour (GCT) in Paris at the weekend (5 July).

It resulted in both riding identically timed clears in the jump-off to claim joint honours in the Prix de la Ville de Paris in front of the iconic setting of the Eiffel Tower — an unusual feat at this level of competition.

Edwina Tops-Alexander and Heidi du Ruisseau Z were the only other combination to go through into the jump-off alongside Karim and Ben.

“Luckily I had my best mare today, which made life a little easier,” said Ben. “I don’t think it would have mattered if there had been three or 15 horses in the jump-off, as it was an incredibly fast round and I don’t think we could have done any more today.

“It’s a first for me to have a joint podium, and certainly a first that I’ve seen in that level for a long time — maybe in a smaller competition, but to be joint around such a big course is unbelievable,” he added.

Young Irishman Bertram Allen became the youngest rider to win a GCT grand prix.

The 19-year-old stormed to victory with an unbeatable time of 37.32 seconds in the 1.60m €320,000 prize-money competition riding the 17-year-old chestnut stallion Romanov. It was also Bertram’s first GCT triumph.

Third to go in the final round, Bertram produced phenomenal pace and agility, taking a wider angle towards the vertical on the penultimate line maintaining his winning speed.

“This is an amazing feeling, my first ever time on a GCT podium. I have to pay tribute to my horse, who tried so hard over three tough rounds, and gave me the win,” said Bertram, who beat GCT leading rider Luciana Diniz into second.

Fellow Irish rider Darragh Kenny ensured the Emerald Isle stayed in the prize money by taking third with Sans Soucis Z.

Bertram Allen: ‘I love the atmosphere and so does Molly’ [H&H VIP]

Horse & Hound — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 07:55:24 +0000

This was my first time in America. Normally I’m not mad about travelling so far for one competition in case it doesn’t go my way, but for the World Cup final you have to go wherever it’s taking place. Molly Malone V has only flown once before — to Shanghai last year, which was even further away, but it doesn’t bother her.

I expected it to be different and for the arena to be small, and I was right on both counts. But the arena size is the same for everyone and the tented stables — which were cool despite the heat — and warm-up all worked well.

I love atmosphere and so does Molly. A lot of shows in Europe could learn from this — things

like the music between rounds were great.

The format here is different to anything I’ve experienced before, but it’s definitely exciting and means there is everything to play for on the final day.

I didn’t change my approach after the win on the first day — I knew coming out here I’d take each class at a time and do my best in each one.

I don’t think much about the age difference between me and the other jockeys or about competing against the legends. I know most of them quite well now and I don’t get wound up about it. But at the press conference I did feel honoured to be sitting with these riders at such a young age.

Molly will return to my base in Germany now and have an easy time. This week, I go to Antwerp with some other horses — it’s the busy part of the season and I’m not sure when I next have a week off, but I’m looking forward to it.

Ref: H&H 23 April, 2015

Steve Guerdat wins World Cup jumping final; Ireland’s Bertram Allen takes third [VIDEO]

Pippa Roome — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 23:34:52 +0000

Swiss Olympic champion Steve Guerdat held onto his lead to win the Longines FEI World Cup jumping final this afternoon in Las Vegas.

After his clear in round one on the chestnut mare Albfuehren’s Paille, Steve had the crowd on the edge of their seats in round two when he had two fences (5a and 12) down and finished within 1sec of the tight time allowed.

“It was an awful feeling coming to the last [12],” he said. “I wasn’t expecting to have the first mistake as I thought the four-stride distance [to the double at 5ab] was good for me, but it rode long. Then I was a bit worried because the triple [9abc] was not a good triple for my horse, so after that I thought I could not relax, but just not get any time-faults.

“I knew I could have the last fence down as long as I didn’t get any time-faults, so I just wanted to get to the finish line as fast as possible, regardless of the big fence in the way.”

Steve finished one penalty ahead of France’s Penelope Leprovost, who started the day in fourth but moved up with a first round clear and just the upright at fence 10 down in round two. Her ride was Vagabond De La Pomme, a 10-year-old stallion

Ireland’s Bertram Allen took third. After four faults in the first round, he hit fence two in round two. He then managed to leave all the other fences intact with the grey mare Molly Malone V, although he had fences six, eight and 10 bouncing in their cups, leaving supporters’ nerves in tatters.

Beezie Madden of the USA took fourth with Simon, another to match a first round clear with fence 10 down in the second round today.

“I’m so happy with the way my horse went,” said Beezie. “One rub today cost me quite a bit, but overall I’m pleased with the result.”

Jos Verlooy — who like Bertram is 19 years old — landed fifth place for Belgium. He too went clear in the first round today, then had fence 12b down in the second barrage.

Rich Fellers’ great veteran Flexible had two down in each round today and finished seventh, behind the Netherlands’ Maikel van der Vleuten.

There were no penalty-free performances in the second round today, although Gerco Schroder had a jumping clear with one time-fault on Glock’s Cognac Champblanc.

All H&H’s online World Cup finals coverage

Final results

Full reports from the dressage and jumping World Cup finals in Las Vegas in H&H this Thursday (23 April).

Ireland’s Bertram Allen tied for second after World Cup leg three, round one

Pippa Roome — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 20:52:10 +0000

Ireland’s Bertram Allen is tied for second place after the first round of the third leg of the Longines FEI World Cup jumping final in Las Vegas.

The 19-year-old and his grey mare Molly Malone V had just fence five – a 1.75m wide oxer – down.

Bertram now has five faults, as does France’s Penelope Leprovost on Vagabond De La Pomme. She jumped clear this afternoon, but carried five penalties from the previous two days of competition.

Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, the joint leader, is out in front on zero penalties after a clear with the chestnut mare Albfuehren’s Paille. He has twice finished second in the World Cup final but never won this prestigious competition.

The other joint leader, the USA’s Rich Fellers on the 19-year-old Flexible, had fences 11 and 13 down so he is now on eight faults. He is now in equal sixth with Maikel van der Vleuten of the Netherlands on VDL Groep Verdi Tn NOP, who went clear this afternoon.

Two riders on six faults are tied for fourth: the USA’s Beezie Madden (Simon) and Belgium’s 19-year-old Jos Verlooy (Domino). Both jumped clear today.

Sweden’s Douglas Lindelöw and Casello recorded the first clear today. They now share eighth with Martin Fuchs and PSG Future on 10 faults.

Six riders recorded a clear over Anthony d’Ambrosio’s course this afternoon.

The top 20 riders now return to jump again and Anthony said earlier that the second course would be a similar level of difficulty to the first one. If riders are tied for first place after this, there will be a jump-off for the title.

Check back later for a last update from the World Cup final, full report in H&H next Thursday (23 April).

Steve Guerdat and Rich Fellers tied for World Cup final lead; Bertram Allen in third

Pippa Roome — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 05:31:47 +0000

Steve Guerdat won tonight’s second leg of the Longines FEI World Cup jumping final in Las Vegas. He sits joint first in the overall classification ahead of Sunday’s closing round.

Six riders reached the jump-off, as predicted by course-designer Anthony d’Ambrosio, and the USA’s Beezie Madden jumped the first clear on Simon, recording a time of 33.31sec. Dutch rider Steve managed to shave fractions off her target, finishing in 32.87sec on Albfuehren’s Paille.

Only the USA’s Rich Fellers could go ahead of Steve on the 19-year-old Flexible, but he had the first fence down, to gasps from the crowd. He finished fourth tonight, but sits equal first in the overall classification with Steve.

“My plan was to make up as many points as possible tonight — I wasn’t really focused on winning today but on the overall picture,” said Steve. “I knew Rich would be faster than me so my plan was just to catch Beezie. If I go a bit faster my mare doesn’t get hot for the next day and she responded very well, so I’m pleased.”

The Americans fielded four of the top six riders tonight and Lucy Davis took third. As the second rider to start the jump-off she made a bold bid for glory, including taking the inside turn to the final fence, but it didn’t quite come off and the fence fell.

“I planned to go for it a bit,” she said. “I was in 16th place going into today, so there was no room to be conservative. I tried to go as fast as I could without totally unravelling my horse for Sunday and I’m pleased as I think I’m now in a good place for Sunday [equal eighth].”

Bertram Allen still in the hunt

Young Irishman Bertram Allen, who won yesterday’s speed class, remains very much in the hunt, sitting third overall. He had the final element of the troublesome treble down in the first round today with Molly Malone V, so missed out on the jump-off, but as the fastest four-faulter he took seventh place.

The legendarily complicated World Cup final scoring system converts the riders’ points from yesterday’s speed leg and today’s jump-off class into faults, which are carried forward into Sunday. Steve and Rich start on zero faults, with Bertram on one.

French rider Penelope Leprovost is fourth on five faults, with the USA’s Beezie Madden, Belgium’s Jos Verlooy and Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs tied for fifth on six.

On Sunday, the top 30 riders jump in the first round, then the top 20 after that take on the second course. A jump-off can follow if there is equality after these two performances.

“It comes down to clear round jumping now, unless there is a jump-off,” said Beezie. “A lot can happen on Sunday and there is usually a lot of movement. I’ll try to think of it as a seperate class and jump a couple of clear rounds.”

Results of second leg

Overall standings

Check back on www.horseandhound.co.uk for more updates from the World Cup final. Full reports in H&H out next Thursday (23 April).

Ireland’s Bertram Allen wins speed leg of jumping World Cup final

Pippa Roome — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 05:25:57 +0000

Irish teenager Bertram Allen made an amazing start to his first Longines FEI World Cup jumping final when he won the opening speed leg in Las Vegas this evening.

The 19-year-old’s mount, Ballywalter Farms’ grey mare Molly Malone, seemed to float round the course, just touching the second element of the troublesome double at fence five. Nothing fell, though, and the pair recorded a time of 65.45sec.

“I knew I was going to try and win the class, but for it to come off doesn’t happen every time,” said Bertram. “She jumped super and the atmosphere in the arena is something different so I’m very pleased with her.

“She’s quite a strong character and I’ve had her a long time. She has her own special ways, this morning she was running away with me and I wondered what I was going to do, but this evening she was perfect.”

Designer Anthony D’Ambrosio’s course caused plenty of problems as horses struggled to get to grips with the combination of challenging distances, tight turns and big fences. In the end though there were 11 clear rounds from the 40 starters, with each fence down adding 4sec to a rider’s time.

“The course worked out as I thought and I think it was a good competition for the crowd so I’m pleased with how it went,” said Anthony.

Among the high profile victims were Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander, who retired Fair Light Van T Heike after a refusal at fence three, and Germany’s Marcus Ehning, who had problems in the treble at fence eight with Singular LS La Silla before retiring.

Delaveau sets early target

France’s Patrice Delaveau, who had to withdraw from last year’s final mid-competition when he was sharing top spot, set the early target with Orient Express HDC on 66.44sec. He finished equal third with the Netherlands’ Jur Vrieling.

“The aim is to be within the first seven or eight riders to be well placed for the rest of the competition,” said Patrice.

The home side’s Rich Fellers sits second after recording a time of 66.11sec on Flexible – who, like Bertram, is 19. The horse suffered a bout of colic earlier in the week when his intestine got between his spleen and his kidney, but was back on top form tonight.

“He feels as good as he’s ever felt,” said Rich. “I think the crowd took four or five years off his age — as I came in they cheered and I felt his back, which has been dropping, rise up and off he went.”

Bertram now receives 41 points for his win, with runner-up Rich having 39, third-placed Patrice and Jur 38 and so on in increments of one. Riders will also receive points for their placings in tomorrow’s class, which are then converted into faults for the last leg on Sunday.

Results

Check back on www.horseandhound.co.uk for more updates from the World Cup final. Full reports in H&H out next Thursday (23 April).

Could Bertram Allen become the youngest World Cup winner in 30 years?

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 16:57:46 +0000

Ireland’s leading showjumper — 19-year-old Bertram Allen (pictured) — lines up as one of 41 riders heading to Las Vegas for the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final later this month(15-19 April).

Sadly no British riders have qualified for this winter finale, which returns to the USA city for the sixth time. But the teenager is one of the favourites to claim the title as he makes his debut in this prestigious competition.

The youngest rider ever to win the World Cup final was Mario Deslauriers, then competing for Canada, who was 19 when taking the title in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1984.

Riders from 19 countries have confirmed their attendance for this year’s competition, including reigning champion Daniel Deusser of Germany and current Olympic champion Steve Guerdat of Switzerland. The qualifiers are:

Western European league:

– Steve Guerdat (SUI)

– Bertram Allen (IRL)

– Kevin Staut (FRA)

– Marco Kutscher (GER)

– Marcus Ehning (GER)

– Maikel van der Vleuten (NED)

– Douglas Lindelöw (SWE)

– Jur Vrieling (NED)

– Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER)

– Martin Fuchs (SUI)

– Geir Gulliksen (NOR)

– Pénélope Leprevost (FRA)

– Sergio Alvarez Moya (ESP)

– Luca Maria Moneta (ITA)

– Pius Schwizer (SUI)

– Gerco Schröder (NED)

– Jos Verlooy (BEL)

– Patrice Delaveau (FRA)

Both Lucy Davis (USA) and Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) also qualify as “extra athletes” from this league a they are both based in Europe for more than six months of the year and have picked up enough points to qualify along with the top 18 in the Western European league.

Arab league:

– Bassem Hassan Mohammed (QAT)

– Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani (QAT)

New Zealand league:

– Katie Laurie (NZL)

South America South league:

– Joao Eduardo Ferreira de Carvalho (BRA)

Central European league:

– Kristaps Neretnieks (LAT)

– Vladimir Beletskiy (RUS)

– Andis Varna (LAT)

North America East Coast league:

– Todd Minikus (USA)

– Laura Kraut (USA)

– Elizabeth Madden (USA)

– Jack Towell (USA)

– Kirsten Coe (USA)

– McLain Ward (USA)

– Katherina A. Dinan (USA)

North America West Coast league:

– Richard Fellers (USA)

– Karl Cook (USA)

– Vinton Karrasch (USA)

North America East and West Coast leagues: Canada

– Chris Sorensen (CAN)

North America East and West Coast leagues: Mexico

– Manuel Alvarez Ruigalindo (MEX)

– Everardo Hegewisch Diaz Infante (MEX)

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‘That’s what we came here to do’: Ireland’s showjumping team secures Paris 2024 Olympic qualification

The fourth place means Ireland has secured Olympic qualification at the Paris 2024 Games.

“Olympic qualification [at the first attempt] is a real monkey off our back because it’s something that’s eluded us [previously]. In all my career we’ve never managed to do it the first time anyway, so I’m not sure when the last time Ireland qualified in its first attempt.”

It was tight at the top with Britain finishing in bronze on 22.66 – only 0.49 less than Ireland – and pathfinder Denis Lynch reflected on the score.

In what was a rollercoaster evening, Sweden claimed team gold, the Netherlands won silver, and Great Britain took bronze in the World Showjumping Championships results.

Three members of the Irish team will next jump in the individual team final on Sunday, which features the top 25 combinations. Denis is currently in 19th, Cian 20th and Bertram 21st.

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‘I wasn’t worried’: Bertram Allen fights back for Ireland in the World Showjumping Championships

“It’s a big course tonight under the lights and there was a lot of pressure on Ireland,” said Bertram following his round.

“We’re a bit far behind so we have to climb up today, my horse was fantastic and grand. It went how we wanted and I’m delighted.”

After a brilliant first day in the competition, Bertram incurred eight faults yesterday but the Irishman was undeterred coming into this evening’s final.

“He jumped great yesterday, he jumped a much better round than his result so I was still pretty confident going in. Sometimes you have a bad round and you’re scratching your head a little bit, but I wasn’t at all worried. He feels very good and sometimes that happens,” he said.

“One more round from the two boys and we’ll be laughing.”

Denis Lynch was first to go for Ireland with Brooklyn Heights, producing a clear jumping round and adding one time-penalty. Ireland’s place in the team final looked in doubt at one stage yesterday, but they secured their place in ninth – of 10 teams.

Cian O’Connor – who has been in magnificent form all week – jumps next for Ireland in the World Showjumping Championships results on Cier Vier 2. Daniel Coyle will jump last with Legacy.

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‘I am not happy’: Bertram Allen reflects on his latest World Showjumping Championships round

The top 10 teams go through to the final round of the team competition tomorrow, so the performance of Ireland’s next two riders will be crucial for their World Showjumping Championships results.

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