Allen Disqualified after winning in Olympia

convert

Just saw this online.

Apparently there was blood spotted on the horse's flank (it looks more like just as he was about to go in and collect his prize, and was subsequently disqualified.

Just as riders were preparing for the prize giving, it was announced that the ceremony was being put on hold. News then began to filter through that Allen had dramatically been disqualified, with commentators suggesting the disqualification was due to horse welfare issues.

The Irish Field understands that a speck of blood may have been found on the flank of Allen’s horse Quiet Easy before the prize giving was about to begin.

The full article can be found here: http://www.theirishfield.ie/allen-disqualified-after-winning-olympia-grand-prix-196674/

fits

Oh my...

TG1

I have a certain amount of sympathy for the official... Rules are rules and they were doing their job in accordance with the rules.

That being said €25,000 is a lot to lose out on over something so run of the mill and tiny... From the pictures I've seen it seems pretty insignifict from a welfare point of view, and the views of other international riders (I think written in a later field article, but I'm open to correction on that one!) seem to be along the same lines. Maybe the rules need to be looked at in light of this..

Ah_Yeah

There has been uproar over this, and many international riders, including some of the British, are saying what a disgrace it is. I totally get that rules are rules but in the grand scheme of things this mark was miniscule. I'd like to see them check the mouths of horses who have been ridden by rough-handed riders to see what they find.

I can't wear normal spurs on my horse as they rub her, I have to use the roller ball spurs instead. When she is freshly clipped or changing coat I leave them off altogether and have to go easy even with my leg as she rubs so easily.

I think context is key here, and I also think it was bad form to do it at the prize giving rather than when he'd finished his round.

Michael Whitaker, who moved up to first place after Allen was disqualified, actually gave him his rosette and said in an interview he was hard done by.

fits

I have no sympathy for the official at all. It was a tiny nick. If this is some jobsworth's interpretation of the rules then the rules need to be reexamined.

ezra_

can he take it to CAS?

TG1

The wording of the rule is pretty specific, it says any blood on the flank. I think the rule needs to change.

I've left marks on my unclipped mare using tiny plastic spurs and there was no welfare issue (a huge training issue as it transpired, but no welfare one!).

The rule is excessive and needs to be reworded to make it clear it's only in cases of welfare concern but at the moment it states any blood, he appealed at the time and it was dismissed. I hope he can take it further as for someone with his reputation for caring about the welfare of his horses this is a terrible thing to be highlighted as it should have been a non issue, but with the wording as it stands I don't know will the decision change.

I'm delighted other riders being very vocal in his defense.

Ave Sodalis

I'm hoping this sparks change in the rules to make them a bit more flexible.

I haven't seen the horse so I can't comment on the individual case. I think it's very unfortunate but at the same time, I'd rather those rules be there than have no rules. So although I haven't seen the horse and it seems that it was a very minor incident, at least we know welfare rules are being enforced. It's crap a rider, particularly an Irish rider, has lost out over it but bending the rules without anything set on stone isn't a great line to go down. Hopefully the FEI will meet to discuss it.

fits

Here you go. horrific injury.

Ah_Yeah

I think the biggest issue is that the steward didn't notice until a 'complaint' was made just before prizegiving.

finbarrk

He did an interview with WOS last night.
http://www.worldofshowjumping.com/en/News/Bertram-Allen-speaks-out-My-horses-and-their-welfare-are-the-most-important-things-for-me.html

Ave Sodalis

The Irish Examiner is reporting that Bertram is considering taking further action.

In fairness, the rules are there and clear (fair or not) and he broke the rules. I don't see how he can do anything.

Ah_Yeah

sup_dude wrote: »

The Irish Examiner is reporting that Bertram is considering taking further action.

In fairness, the rules are there and clear (fair or not) and he broke the rules. I don't see how he can do anything.

He said in an interview that he wouldn't, I'd be surprised if he did.

Ave Sodalis

Ah_Yeah wrote:

He said in an interview that he wouldn't, I'd be surprised if he did.

Not sure what it says in the article because the Facebook app is being odd and won't let mobile data users onto links, but Team Ireland Equestrian shared the article.

TG1

I have to say I think he's coming across brilliantly in all this. Every interview I've come across he is stating his point of view very well without saying anything negative about the FEI.

Considering how young he is I'm very impressed with how well he is coming across.

finbarrk

TG1 wrote: »

I have to say I think he's coming across brilliantly in all this. Every interview I've come across he is stating his point of view very well without saying anything negative about the FEI.

Considering how young he is I'm very impressed with how well he is coming across.

Yes, and all of the other riders are behind him. I'd imagine he will get a great cheer at the next big show. Not sure is he in the one at Liverpool on New Years Day.

finbarrk

He isn't in Liverpool actually.
http://www.liverpoolhorseshow.com/riders-and-horses#mYmKMrHwC5XcUS4f.97