Bertram Allen and Quiet Easy 4 proved unassailable in the $6,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m CSI4* class at the 2020 Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida, giving the 24-year-old Wexford rider a victory in his first-ever visit to the WEF.
The two-phase class produced 20 double clears within the 48-second time allowed over the course designed by Brazilian Anderson Lima. Allen’s time bested the field in 31.46 second, just fractions faster than runner-up Erynn Ballard of Canada riding Canora Z, in a time of 31.66 seconds.
There were three nations represented on the final podium, with USA home rider Peter Lutz riding Excellent to third in 31.68 seconds. Fellow U.S. rider Todd Minikus finished fourth on Amex Z in 33.06 seconds, while Kerry-born Capt. Brian Cournane capped the tap five in 33.55 seconds riding Colourful Lady.
Of the Quidam’s Rubin gelding 16-year-old gelding, winning rider Allen said:
“I had Quiet Easy a few years ago, then he was sold to Norway and I only recently got him back. I really like him and I’ve known him a long time. This was one of my first classes back with him, and he’s really fresh, so it’s lovely to have him back. The owner didn’t have so much for him to do, so they said they’d send him back to me if I could retire him when he was finished. He’s nearing the end of his career now, so it’s nice to just enjoy him.”
Allen, who is based in Germany, will be flying back and forth to compete the three horses he has in Florida, as well as riding his remaining string back in Europe.
Final Results $6,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m CSI4*
1 Quiet Easy 4 and Bertram Allen (IRL), 0/0/31.46 seconds.
2 Canora Z and Erynn Ballard (CAN), 0/0/31.66 seconds.
3 Excellent and Peter Lutz (USA), 0/0/31.68 seconds.
4 Amex Z and Todd Minikus (USA), 0/0/33.06 seconds.
5 Colourful Lady and Capt. Brian Cournane (IRL), 0/0/33.55 seconds.
