WEXFORD TEENAGER Bertram Allen showed his equestrian class in Belgium last week when he took first place and a prize of €50,000 in the five-star Lummen Grand Prix in Belgium.

The starting field boasted a selection of 50 of the world’s best riders but the young Enniscorthy man was the model of perfection, recording one of only two triple clear rounds on the day.

In the end, the winner was decided on speed and Allen with Ballywalter Farm’s ten-year-old grey mare Molly Malone edged out the nearest competitor  by a third of a second.

Allen beat Dutch Olympic team medallist Jur Vrieling into second place.

Irish show jumping manager Robert Splaine said: “To win a five-star Grand Prix at just 18 is a tremendous achievement for Bertram, and the future is certainly bright for him.

“Bertram also contributed as a team member towards Ireland’s joint third place in the Lummen Nations’ Cup on Friday, and it’s worth noting that all four members of that team have now had individual wins at Lummen. Bertram has polished off what has been a fantastic week for Irish show jumping here.”

18-year-old Allen is the son of Bert Allen, well-known businessman and head of local company Slaney Meats.