Bringing youthful Irish joy to the climax of Discover Ireland Dublin Horse on Sunday last, 19-year-old Bertram Allen of Wexford brilliantly won the Longines Grand Prix ahead of a quality field of world-class stars. On the Kannan 10-year-old mare Molly Molone, Allen had one of just eight first-round clears out of a start list of 40. Drawn second last to go against the clock, he had the time of 40.49 set by USA speedster Kent Farrington to beat. And that he did with such polished ease in 39.67 he brought the Ballsbridge crowd roaring to their feet in elation (and also went some way to wiping away the memory of Friday’s defeat in the Aga Khan).

Allen now joins Ireland’s greats as our 23nd and youngest Irish winner of this prestige event.

Afterwards the softly spoken Allen said: “It does not get any better than this, winning on my home ground. My mare was brilliant at the double and that is where we won it.”

Ireland is very lucky to have this young man and his family in the sport at this time.