Forty-four elite show jumping combinations contested the $78,000 CSI5* Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup Round 9 on Thursday at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). The battle for the win pitted riders representing the nation of Ireland against one another, but it was young professional Bertram Allen who raced to the lead with his experienced partner, Pacino Amiro.

Heavy-hitting course designer Alan Wade (IRL) produced another worthy challenge in the third of four five-star rated competitions during the Wellington Equestrian Realty-sponsored WEF 9 at Wellington International. After the completion of the first round, only three riders advanced to the jump-off. Darragh Kenny (IRL) produced the first successful effort early in round one and fellow countryman, Allen, quickly followed suit to ensure a jump-off. The two Irishmen would remain as the only successful contenders on the course until the USA’s Schuyler Riley piloted Robin De Ponthual into contention.

“I’ve never seen a WEF Challenge here where only three were clear in the first round, so it was a much more tactical jump-off than normal,” stated Allen. “It was a huge advantage going after Darragh because I saw one or two places in his jump-off where I could get the better of him if I left the rails up.”

Wellington International
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