Bertram Allen kept up his amazing form on Friday, when he went all the way to the top in the CSI5* 1.50 Prix Hermès Sellier in Grand Palais. Riding his faithful 17 year old partner Romanov (Heartbreaker x Fedor), Allen – who recently climbed up to rank ten in the world – set a magnificent clear as fourth to go. Blazing around the eleven fence track, the 19 year old Allen made one of his trademark rounds – super fast, but with light and beautiful riding. When he crossed the finish line the clock showed 50.95 seconds.
None of the riders that came could catch Allen, no matter how hard they tried. It took a true veteran to come close to Ireland’s super talent, and it was Michael Whitaker that took care of the second place on Amai (Nonstop x Bacara) with a time of 51.25 seconds and his efforts was much appreciated by the crowds. Third place went to another young and talented rider; Constant van Paesschen on Ralphy Utopia de Ransbeck (Ohio van de Padenborre x Darco) who stopped the timers on 51.55 seconds.
Daniel Bluman followed in fourth and Julien Epaillard in fifth.
Earlier in the day Alberto Michan won the opening 1.45 Prix du Grand Palais riding Caruso LS La Silla (Montebello la Silla x Joost). Also in this class Allen was in the ribbons, finishing second on Quiet Easy 4 (Quidams Rubin x Zapateado), while Penelope Leprevost took care of third place on Ratina d’la Rouserie (Quaprice Boimargot Quincy x Apache d´Adriers*HN).