Allen ‘over the moon’ at five-star grand prix victory

Teenage show jumper Bertram Allen yesterday said he was "over the moon" following Sunday’s grand prix victory at the five-star Belgium nations cup show.

The Wexford 18-year-old and Molly Malone V provided one of only two triple clears against some of the world’s best riders, crossing the finish line over half a second faster than Dutchman Jur Vrieling and Flash Dance vd Kalevallei to claim the €50,000 first prize.

His most notable success, Allen confessed to being a little surprised.

“It’s my biggest win to date. I was delighted. The mare has just stepped up to that level recently and I was over the moon over it.

“I was confident, and I always believe in myself and her ability, but since we have only done a handful of competitions at that level — that was only her third five-star grand prix — it did come as a bit of a surprise to me.”

Allen said his 10-year-old mare had benefited from slow preparation. “She is very careful and it took her an extra year to get up to grand prix level. She’s very competitive and I was able to run her behind the more experienced Romanov last year. This year, she was more than ready and it was ideal that I was able to keep the pressure off her last year.”

Allen amassed a hoard of European medals as a pony and junior rider, including team gold and individual silver last year. Having relocated to Germany, he has consistently been in the ribbons, but Sunday’s result in Lummen strengthens the prevailing view he has the pedigree to succeed at the very top.

“The win has certainly changed things for me and, hopefully, it will help me to get into bigger shows. The Ireland manager Robert Splaine has said that more than likely I can expect to get more nations cup outings.”