Bertram Allen scoops €105k after Paris victory

Wexford's Bertram Allen became the youngest rider to win a round of the Global Champions Tour when successful in the Longines Grand Prix de Paris on Saturday evening.

From a starting line-up of 18, the 19-year-old was one of five through to the jump-off round, as was Offaly's Darragh Kenny. The quintet also included league leader, Portugal's Luciana Diniz, and French riders Phillipe Rozier and Penelope Leprevost.

Kenny was home in 39.26 seconds when posting the first clear of the third round on San Souci Z but that was easily bettered by Allen who broke the beam in 37.32 with Billy Twomey’s 17-year-old chestnut stallion Romanov. Diniz also went clear with Fit For Fun but had to settled for second in 37.84.

Allen, who collected €105,000 for this win, stated: “This is an amazing feeling, my first ever time on a Global Champions Tour podium. I have to pay tribute to my horse, who tried so hard over three tough rounds, and gave me the win.”