Five-star WEF win

for Bertram Allen

BERTRAM Allen got off to a good start on the first week of five-star competition at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida, USA when racing to victory in Thursday’s 1.55m $75,000 Adequan WEF Challenge Cup Round 5 aboard Pacino Amiro (ISH). Allen was last to go in the 12-horse jump-off and used the draw to his advantage, breaking the beam in 38.89 and relegating teammate Conor Swail to second place with Count Me In (39.29).

“I knew going in that I had to have a good round, but I didn’t want to overdo it today with the Grand Prix coming up on Saturday night,” Allen commented. “My plan was to be quick early on because I knew if I caught the first two fences good that my horse is as quick as any other.” Saturday night sees the first five-star Grand Prix of the circuit take place under the lights with $406,000 on offer.

International Working Hunter championship

THE Irish Pony Society is currently accepting expressions of interest from working hunter competitors to represent Ireland in Scotland at the International Working Hunter Championships. The competition will take place on Monday, August 7th and Tuesday, August 8th 2023. This is a unique opportunity for Irish Pony Society members to represent their country. Full details available on the Irish Pony Society Website and Facebook page. Visit www.irishponysociety.ie for more information.

Maher is sidelined

with injury after fall

OLYMPIC champion Ben Maher has been sidelined after taking a heavy fall in Florida, where is currently based for the Winter Equestrian Festival. Writing on his social media, Maher (40) said: “Due to a bad fall last week, I will be taking an unscheduled holiday. I appreciate all of the kind messages. I will keep you updated along the recovery and hope to be back soon!”

His season got off to a flying start with a four-star Grand Prix win at the Wellington venue just two weeks’ ago with Dallas Vegas Batilly.

Clifden sales

on this weekend

THE first Connemara Pony Sales of the year takes place in Clifden, Co Galway over two days this weekend, kicking off today (Saturday). Some 400 lots will go through the ring over the two days. Western Veterinary Clinic is available to inspect any pony that does not have a valid vet certificate on site.