Allen speeds to victory

It was Bertram Allen’s turn to fly the flag for Ireland yesterday at Olympia International Horse Show in London, as he scorched to victory in a speed contest.

Last to go in a 31-strong field, the 19-year-old show jumper faced a stiff task, after Belgian Constant van Paesschen clocked 59.92 seconds in the one-round class on Ralphy Utopia de Ransbeck.

However, German-based Wexford native Allen proved more than capable, knocking almost two seconds off the target with Wild Thing L, which he jointly owns with Cork rider Billy Twomey.