Win for Allen and Castlefield Vegas

Bertram Allen got off to the perfect start with the Irish Sport Horse Castlefield Vegas (Cassino x Lux Z) when winning Thursday’s five-star 1.40m at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. The pair were the fastest of 10 double clear rounds in 29.91, almost two seconds faster than Japan’s Karen Polle and Baccarat du Tertre (0/0 31.45), while Co Cork’s Shane Sweetnam slotted into third with Volo’s Diamond (0/0 32.58).

Allen recently took over the ride on the 11-year-old Castlefield Vegas when buying a half share from owner Martin Egan and Ger O’Neill.

Shannondale Icarus cover

LAST week’s Irish Horse World cover featured Jinnie Webb’s Shannondale Icarus, ridden by Louise Bloomer, at Lisgarvan last autumn and captured in action by photographer Louise O’Brien. We could not fit all those details into the limited caption space in last week’s issue and many apologies for that to connections.

Mullingar Equestrian Sale

THE correct date of the forthcoming Performance Sale at Mullingar Equestrian Centre is Saturday, March 27th 2021 at the Co Westmeath venue. An incorrect date was given in last week’s issue.

The video and selection days are Saturday, March 6th (show jumping) and Sunday, March 7th (cross-country). The sale will be live with online bidding with all details on IrishSportHorseAuctions.com or phone 086 033 1536.

Death of Pat Lordan

THE death took place on Tuesday of well known Cork horseman Pat Lordan, late of Upton. Pat, a colourful character, was very well known in racing and hunting circles.

A loving husband to Marion for 50 years and a wonderful father to Lillian, Pat, Celia, Orla and Wayne, he will be sorely missed by all, his sisters, extended family, grandchildren, neighbours and wide circle of friends.

Please see page 6 for a tribute.

Olympia M&M classes moved

THE British Show Pony Society’s Le Mieux Mountain and Moorland Supreme Championship will not take place at the Olympia London International Horse Show this year.

The final will instead be held at Liverpool International Horse Show on January 1st, 2022. The championship has taken place at Olympia since 2011.

“We are saddened not to be able to hold our Le Mieux Mountain and Moorland Supreme Championship at Olympia, due to development work [at the venue] and our thanks go to that committee for all their support,” said a spokesman in a statement.

Olympics chief resigns

THE head of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic organising committee has resigned from his position after international backlash following comments he made about women.

Yoshiro Mori, a former Japanese prime minister, told a meeting of the Tokyo 2020 executive board on Friday that he was stepping down from his position. The 83-year-old reportedly said women “talk too much’’ and have a “strong sense of rivalry” during a board meeting earlier this month.

“My inappropriate remarks have caused chaos, and I would like to apologise to express my deepest apologies to the members of the council and executive board, as well as the entire community. The important thing is that the Olympic Games are held in July. If I am going to be [an obstacle] to their delivery by remaining in my position, then that is something we should avoid,” Mori said.