Ireland’s Bertram Allen emerged victorious on Saturday evening in a lightning fast five-star Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of La Coruña in Spain. Riding the exceptional Irish-bred Pacino Amiro (ISH), Allen won his first LGCT Grand Prix since 2018. Last to go in a 9-horse jump-off, Wexford-born Allen beat Greek rider Ioli Mytilineou on L’artiste de Toxandra by just fractions of a second, while Harrie Smolders (NED) completed the podium with Monaco N.O.P.
Thrilling the full-capacity crowd at the Spanish venue, Allen not only collected the lion’s share (€100,000) of the substantial prize pool but also secured his golden ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix at Prague later this year. Bertram smiled: “It is fantastic to qualify for the LGCT Super Grand Prix as it is something I have always wanted to do.”
Finishing just 0.40 seconds ahead of second place getter Ioli Mytilineou and L’artiste de Toxandra, Allen had the advantage of being the last rider to go. Speaking of his plan of attack, he said that the ability to watch Ioli – “I had a similar plan to what she did, then when I watched her go, I knew it was all possible, and thankfully I was just a little bit quicker. It is not easy to win these Grand Prix so I am delighted.”
It was also a memorable evening for Tipperary’s Trevor Breen who made it through to his first ever LGCT Grand Prix jump-off with Highland President. Opting for a tactical double clear he kept it smooth and tight crossing the finish line in 45.79 to secure a top 5 finish.
The next stop on the Longines Global Champions Tour is Riesenbeck (GER) 20 – 23 July, with the crucial stages of the Championship race now playing out as all eyes look ahead to Riyadh for the final showdown.
BREEDING
Pacino Amiro (ISH) – 2012 gelding by Pacino (BWP) out of Carnone Dancing Queen (ISH) by NC Amiro (AES). Breeder: Simon Scott, Co. Donegal. Owner: Aiden McGrory. Rider: Bertram Allen (IRL).