Teenage showjumper of the moment — Bertram Allen — has broken into the world’s top 20 showjumpers for the first time.
The Irish rider has secured the 17th spot on the Longines world rankings, which were revealed on Friday (3 October).
Nineteen-year-old Bertram jumped up 15 places thanks to finishing third in Lausanne and seventh at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) with Molly Malone V.
He put in an impressive performance at the Normandy Games, on his senior championship debut with Ballywalter Farm’s grey mare.
The pair have also enjoyed a successful summer — they finished second in the King George V Cup at Hickstead and won the grand prix at Dublin.
Last year Bertram took individual silver at the European junior championships with Molly Malone V and was gold medallist at the same event in 2012 with Wild Thing L.
Bertram also qualified Ireland for the Youth Olympics in China this summer, but was just out of the age bracket by the time the event came around — enabling Michael Duffy to jump in his place. Europe won team gold.
British hero Scott Brash remains at the top of the league table for the 11th month running, thanks to his win at the Global Champions Tour in London last month.
He won the €150,00 grand prix with Lord and Lady Harris and Kirkham’s Hello Sanctos.
German riders Ludger Beerbaum and Marcus Ehning complete the top three.
However, Ben Maher — who was world number one this time last year — has dropped out of the top ten and now sits in 12th.
The rider was forced to withdraw from the British WEG team last month after his top horse Cella was found to have a minor injury.
