WEXFORD’S Bertram Allen came out on top in the 1.45m two-star Grand Prix at Sentower Park in Belgium last Sunday aboard the Ballywalter Stables-owned Caprisco.
The Irish course design team of Colm Quinn, John Doyle and Michael Parker set the challenge for the 69 starters and with riders up for the challenge, 17 booked their place against the clock. Allen and the nine-year-old gelding by Pikeur Cole Porter were the fastest of eight clears against the clock in 35.31 seconds to earn €6,550.
Little separated the next placings as Belgium’s Louis Le Grelle and New Life van het Hellehof crossed the line clear in 35.77. Third place was filled by Switzerland’s Sasha Barthe with Broceliande du Lac (0/0 35.79).
Allen also won the 1.40m two-phase on the same day at the venue. Riding the nine-year-old mare Carrera Denfer, he was the best of 14 double clears in 27.08 seconds, ahead of Belgian runner-up Bart Clarys with Oxygene du Marais DD in 27.11.
On Friday, Allen was sixth with Emmylou in a 1.35m, when clear in 67.62. One place behind was Jason Foley and the 10-year-old stallion, Ikannan VG, who was also clear in a time of 69.58 seconds.
Foley improved on this performance later in the day when he claimed fifth with Warriors Glory in the 1.45m. The combination were one of 10 double clears in a time of 38.60. Matt Garrigan also put in a foot perfect round with Quantum Robin V in a time of 38.83 for sixth place.
On Sunday, Christopher Megahey and the eight-year-old Like Pina T claimed fifth place in the CSIYH1* 1.35m when they delivered a double clear in 39.22.
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