Allen ‘surprised’ at World lead

Irish teenager Bertram Allen declared himself "surprised" to be in pole position after the first day of the show jumping contest at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France.

While the Wexford 19-year-old is making a habit of beating his peers — he won the grand prix at last month’s Dublin Horse Show — to be top of the world ahead of 152 rivals that included reigning and former Olympic and European champions was more than anybody expected, least of all the quietly-spoken Allen.

“It was a good solid round. I didn’t quite expect to be that fast and I’m surprised to be in the lead. I didn’t go all-out to risk it,” said the German-based rider, who has accumulated a host of European medals at pony and junior level.