Bertram Allen finishes runner-up to Gregory Wathelet in Paris Masters

Ireland’s Bertram Allen clinched the runner-up spot behind Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet after a superb performance in the Longines Masters in Paris.

Bertram wowed spectators on his nine-year-old stallion, Hector van d’Abdijhoeve, as he competed at the €360,000 Longines Masters Grand Prix.

The tough course saw eight of 39 starters jump clear in the opening round, with Bertram achieving one of four clears second time out against the clock.

Bertram narrowly missed out to winner Gregory Wathelet, with the Belgian showjumper finishing just two tenths of a second ahead on Eldorado van het Vijverhof.

Germany’s Daniel Deusser was nearly two seconds behind Bertram, with his horse Equita van’t Zorgvliet, securing him third place.

“I think Gregory would have been very hard to beat and I’m surprised I got so close,” explained Bertram, “I am just so happy with Hector – I think today was the best he has ever jumped.”

The latest result comes during an excellent run for Bertram, who gained €70,000 from Paris, in addition to three new motor cars won in Stockholm, Sweden; as well as ending the GCL season victorious with his Valkenswaard United team members, who together won the first Global Champions League title in Doha last month.

The Grand Slam bonus of €1,000,000 is available to the winner of three consecutive Longines Masters across two seasons, meaning there’s still all to play for Gregory, who would need to be successful in Hong Kong next February and Los Angeles next September to claim the prize.

Watch the Longines Paris Masters now on H&C Play.