Source:  News Release/Colin McClelland

Show Jumping - Simpson Claims Olympia Puissance for Ireland

NORTHERN Ireland rider David Simpson claimed victory in the famous Puissance competition at London's five star Olympia horse show tonight (Thursday) with the 13 year-old grey mare Richi Rich.

The 26 year-old, who is now based in Sussex, was one of two riders to make it through to the fourth and final jump-off in the Alltech-sponsored competition, and cleared the big wall at 2m20 for a 5,000 euro prize. Belgian challenger Karline De Brabander and Fantomas de Muze failed to match the Irish rider's performance and had to settle for four faults and the 4,000 euro runner-up reward.

Earlier tonight, Irish teenage sensation Bertram Allen once again saw off some of the world's top riders and horses to take second place in the Olympia Kingsland Christmas Pudding Stakes with Wild Thing L. The 19 year-old Wexford rider was an agonising fifth of a second off the pace of Netherlands winner Maikel van der Vleuten and VDL Groep Eureka when the clock stopped, but nevertheless picked up 4,800 euro in prize money.

Simpson and Allen are joined at Olympia's Christmas show by fellow Irish riders Denis Lynch and Liam O'Meara.

London's Longines World Cup Grand Prix takes place on Sunday afternoon, while the Olympia Grand Prix is scheduled for Monday night.

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