WEXFORD'S Bertram Allen and Molly Malone scored a fifth-place finish in the curtain-closing Longines Grand Prix of Ireland on the final day of the 2018 Dublin Horse Show at the RDS.

A packed audience watched on as Allen and the 14-year-old grey mare were the only Irish combination to make it into the seven horse jump-off. They looked to be heading into the lead with a brilliant effort against the clock, but picked up four faults towards the end of their round. Their time of 40.14 seconds saw them collect €12,000 for their fifth place finish.

Victory went to Dutch rider Kevin Jochems with Captain Cooper after they jumped clear in 40.93. Frenchman Alexis Deroubaix finished second with Timon D’Aure, while Italy’s Lorenzeo De Luca took third place with Irenice Horta.

Cameron Hanley (Eis Isaura) and Shane Sweetnam (Main Road) and Anthony Condon (SFS Aristio), all jumped clear in the first round, but missed out on a place in the jump-off after picking up time faults. Hanley would finish in eighth, with Sweetnam 10th and Condon in 11th.

SPEED CHAMPIONSHIP

Earlier, Derry’s Daniel Coyle added to his list of wins at the 2018 Dublin Horse Show with victory in the Qatar Airways Speed Championship with Farona.

Second place went to Mathieu Billot for France with Dassler and third to Italy’s Lorenzo De Luca and the Irish Sport Horse Limestone Grey.

Coyle also came out on top in the International seven- and eight-year-old final by Lhk Insurance riding Legacy (Chippendale Z x Bon Ami).

Offaly’s Darragh Kenny was crowned leading rider of the show after several wins and podium finishes.

Equiline – Official athlete clothing supplier of Team Ireland Equestrian