Bertram Allen and Lafayette van Overis. Photo © Sportfot.
Wellington, FL – February 7, 2020 – Irish rider Bertram Allen showcased the foot speed of his mount Lafayette van Overis on their way to a win in the $37,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.45m CSI5* on Friday, February 7, at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.
Twenty-one horses jumped clear over Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) and Andy Christiansen Jr.’s (USA) speed track from a starting field of 53. Allen and the nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Tauber van het Kapelhof) posted a time of 59.91 seconds that bested Mexico’s Santiago Lambre aboard his own Doloris by less than a second for the top spot. Lambre settled for the runner-up spot in 60.71 seconds.
Allen got the ride on Lafayette van Overis in August of 2019 and made quick work of riding the horse to the top with two five-star wins at Tryon International Equestrian Center.
“He has a fantastic brain and truly understands the sport,” continued Allen with a smile. “He’s very competitive, brave, and wants to do it, so I think he’ll end up jumping a few bigger classes in the future.”
Cara McFadden Wins Her First WEF Blue in the EMO Insurance/USHJA 3’3” Jumping Seat Medal
Friday morning began with Cara McFadden riding Contigo 37 to the win in the EMO Insurance/USHJA 3’3” Jumping Seat Medal in the Equine Tack and Nutritionals Ring 6. The pair rose to the top in the jumping phase with a score of 84 and were also first in the flat phase of the class.
Contigo 37 is a new ride for McFadden, who has only shown the horse twice. McFadden, of Long Valley, NJ, began leasing Contigo 37 from Beechwood Stables, LLC only last week. The gelding had previously shown in the equitation with both Annabel Revers and Olivia Broder.
Although the weather conditions added an extra level of difficulty, McFadden, who trains with Beacon Hill Show Stables, stuck to her plan, saying, “I think with the jumping phase a lot of people had trouble getting up the lines, but Contigo listened to everything I told him and took care of me,” McFadden explained.
For full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.