Robert Splaine: Bertram Allen the victim of very rigid rule

Ireland show jumping manager Robert Splaine has voiced support for rider Bertram Allen after he was stripped of his grand prix win at London’s Olympia following the discovery of a speck of blood on the flank of his mount Quiet Easy.

The 20-year-old Wexford rider demolished a star-studded field at the festive show with a display that saw him cross the finish line two seconds ahead of British legend Michael Whitaker.

However, when leaving the arena, a steward saw some blood and reported it to the ground jury, who instead awarded the win to Whitaker, citing a rule that calls for mandatory disqualification for the presence of any blood on the flanks, mouth, or nose.