Ireland enjoyed a clean sweep in the Falsterbo Derby, taking the top three spots with Bertram Allen leading the way.
Brilliant mind
Bertram won the class riding Christy Jnr, while Shane Sweetnam was second on Indra van de Oude Heihoef and Cian O’Connor was third with Copain du Perchet CH. All three jumped double clears, but it was Bertram who posted the fastest time.
“He is only eight, but he’s got such a brilliant mind,” said Bertram. “He doesn’t care about anything, and he always tries his best and wants to do the right thing.”
The only non-Irish rider to make it into the jump-off was Sweden’s Peder Fredricson with H&M Carat Desire. However, the home favourite had to settle for fourth place when he had a fence down.
Hot favourites
Ireland also achieved a one-two-three in the Grand Prix qualifier, with Bertram once again winning the class, this time riding Izzy By Picobello. Cian O’Connor went on to score a victory in the Agria Trophy with Copain du Perchet CH.
Having dominated the early classes at the Swedish fixture, Ireland were the hot favourites in the sixth leg of the Nations Cup Jumping Europe Division 1 League.
Thrilling competition
It was a thrilling competition that resulted in a jump-off between Ireland, Sweden and Germany.
Bertram, Cian and Shane were joined by Denis Lynch – who was picked to jump against the clock in the final round. Unfortunately, Dennis and All Star had an unlucky pole trying to save valuable seconds, which put them in third place.
Double-Olympian and World and European team gold medallist Jur Vrieling jumped the fastest clear to win the competition for Holland. Germany was second after Markus Beerbaum (Comanche 28) also jumped clear.
You can watch highlights of the Nations Cup Jumping in Falsterbo on 19 July at 9pm on Sky 253 or online via H&C Play or Amazon Video.