Teenager Bertram Allen has achieved his second FEI World Cup win of the series, riding a veteran stallion belonging to Billy Twomey.
German superstars
There is just two years age difference between the 19-year-old Irish rider and Billy’s stallion Romanov, who was the oldest horse in the class, aged 17.
But age wasn’t a factor and the pair took on the best in the world inBordeaux, leaving German superstars Ludger Beerbaum and Marcus Ehning in second and third place.
When asked if he was surprised to have beaten such an impressive field, Allen said: “No, not really. I’ve always known that Romanov is a great horse, and he was just brilliant tonight.”
Tight turn
It looked like Ludger had it in the bag when the 51-year-old rode a fast clear onboard Chaman. His time of 37.72sec was almost five seconds quicker than the other clear produced by the host nation’s Timothee Anciaume.
Marcus Ehning and Singular la Silla had a good crack at beating his compatriot’s time, but despite pulling off a tight turn inside fence 11, the pair broke the beam in 38.44sec to come third.
Brave horse
Despite his young years, Bertman has already earned a formidable reputation against the clock. Once again he proved fearless,taking a stride out to the final oxer to stop the clock on 36.48sec.
“I knew I was in with a chance, and I just kind of set sail down the last!” he said. “He’s a brave horse with a lot of experience.”
Bertram is the only rider to win two legs of the current World Cup series. He previous win was with his mare Molly Malone in Verona, Italy, last November.