In a tough Grand Prix at Maastricht in the Netherlands, it was Ireland’s Bertram Allen and the 12 year-old grey Gin Chin van het Lindenhof who took the 33,000 euro first prize in a seven horse jump-off this evening.
With a total of 36 starters, two Irish riders – Allen and Darragh Kenny with Balou du Reventon – delivered the vital first round clears that would qualify them for the final cut.
Spectators at the four-star show saw Allen shave 1.62 seconds off the time of the then current leader, Netherlands rider Kim Emmen with Delvaux, but then saw a challenge from Emmen’s fellow countryman Gerco Schröder on Glock’s Cognac Champblanc, but the Dutch combination fell short on time, leaving them in the runner-up spot, with Emmen dropping to third overall.
The only rider to beat Allen’s speed was last-man-in Darragh Kenny and Balou du Reventon, but a heartbreaking last fence down relegated them to fourth overall.
Afterwards, Allen said: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s my first time here, and to win the Grand Prix is just fantastic. I’ve had Gin Chin van het Lindenhof for just over a year, he’s a wonderful horse, and you certainly needed a good one here today.”
-Jack Burns
We Live Horse 