Allen and Molly victorious in Doha

Bertram Allen and Molly Malone helped Valkeswaard United to victory in Saturday’s Longines Global Champions League final round in Doha, Qatar.

A clear round from Allen along with another clear from team mate Alberto Zorzi (ITA) riding Fair Light van T Heike, saw Valkenswaard United finish as the only team on a zero score after two rounds of jumping.

Hamburg Diamonds have been crowned overall Longines Global Champions League winners for 2017, collecting a whopping €2m, with Valkenswaard United taking runner-up spot and a cheque for €1.35m. The Mexico Amigo’s finished in third.

The Miami Glory team which includes Cian O’Connor and Denis Lynch finished fifth on the final league table.

Don’t miss the Huntsman’s Challenge

The newly enhanced Berney Bros. Huntsman’s Team Challenge is taking place this Sunday, 19 November at the Punchestown Winter Festival and 18 hunts from around the country are aiming to raise over €10,000 for the Irish Injured Jockeys.

The Huntsman’s Challenge will take place at 11.20am over a one and a half mile section of the famous Punchestown banks course. There will also be a parade of hounds by the Carlow Farmers and the Bray hunts.

In a bid to extend the hunt member participation and cater for high performance athletes, a sack race will take place in the parade ring between races. Furthermore, for those who excel in the style stakes a ‘Most Appropriately Dressed for Racing Hunt Member’ competition will also be on the cards.

The three elements of the day will be scored on a points system with the hunt that has accumulated the most points being crowned as 2017 Berney Bros. Huntsman Team Challenge Champions.

There will be a reserved hospitality zone in the newly refurbished Budweiser Sports Bar for Berney Bros. Huntsman’s Team Challenge participants and supporters where they can enjoy the seven race card including the Grade 1 Unibet Morgiana Hurdle. Live music will take place after racing.

Coaching and Breeding Conference

The Horse Sport Ireland Coaching and Breeding Conference is set to take place at Cavan Equestrian Centre on Tuesday, 28 November. The final few places can still be booked with Catherine Farrell by phoning 045 854512. Top speakers include Andrew Hoy and Rob Ehrens. It is not to be missed.