BERTRAM Allen just missed out on adding to his international victory tally when he was pipped by six-hundredths of a second in this afternoon's (Sunday) 1.60m Masters Airbus Cup at the five-star meeting at Chantilly, France.

Riding the nine-year-old gelding Belmonde, the Wexford rider set a sharp target early in the 16-strong jump-off, going clear in 36.77. However his effort was just bettered by BelgianConstant Van Paesschen, who gotDiamanthina van T Ruytershof across the line in 36.71.

Allen's time was almost a full second quicker than third-placed FerencSzentirmai on Quickdiamond.

Yesterday, Allen placed fifth in the Global Champions Tour Grand Prix at the French venue with Molly Malone V.