– Newcastle are reportedly lining up a late deal for Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis.
– Manchester United are locked in talks over a £30million deal for Benfica midfielder Renato Sanches, according to reports.
– Stoke City boss Mark Hughes says he may be forced to make a late bid for a centre-back after Marc Wilson sustained a knee injury that could keep him out for 12 weeks.
– According to reports, Everton have agreed to loan Aiden McGeady to Sheffield Wednesday until the end of the season.
– Andre Ayew’s agent says he is surprised the player is still at Swansea after Sunderland’s offer.
– Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed Serge Gnabry will be returning from his loan spell at West Bromwich Albion.
– According to reports, Real Madrid are close to sealing a 50million deal for PSG defender Marquinhos.
– Marseille are closing in on the signing of Spanish side Rayo Vallecano striker Miku, according to reports.
– According to Sky Sports Italia,Sampdoria have made an offer for Stade de Reims midfielder Prince Oniangué.
– Newcastle are reportedly considering a loan move for Valencia left-back Lucas Orban.
– Genoa have sent Diogo Figueiras back to Sevilla just six months into his season-long loan.
– Watford are prepared to pay Liverpool £3m to sign 19-year-old striker Jerome Sinclair, according to reports.
Diego Simeone photo credit uefa.org
– Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone wants to swap striker Jackson Martinez for Chelsea’s forward Diego Costa, according to reports.
– According to reports, Chelsea striker Loic Remy is set to move on loan to Leicester, with only a few details of the transfer yet to be completed.
– Florian Thauvin is set to join Ligue 1 side Marseille on a season-long loan deal, having left Newcastle to travel to France on Saturday.
– Everton are poised to sign the striker Oumar Niasse from Lokomotiv Moscow after having an offer of £13.5million accepted by the Russian club.
Football tit bits:
– Juan Antonio Pizzi has been announced as the manager of Chile’s national
team.
– West Ham manager Slaven Bilic was satisfied after a 0-0 draw at Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup and feels the replay at Upton Park will be a “great night”.
– Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that the executive vice-chairman of the club, Ed Woodward, always treats the Dutchman to expensive wine when his side beat teams in the top six of the Premier League.
– The FA Cup fifth round draws come up Tomorrow evening at 6:15pm
– Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has ruled out a move for Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato.
– West Brom, Besiktas and AC Milan are all interested in Lyon’s Henri Bedimo, according to L’Equipe.
– Brazilian defender Dante has vowed to stay at Wolfsburg amid MLS links.
– Mauricio Pochetinno says Andros Townsend remains part of the squad and could be involved in the coming games.
– Steven Pienaar might leave Everton for Ajax Amsterdam, according to his business manager Rob Moore.
– Barcelona have opened talks with Ivan Rakitic over a new deal, the midfielder has revealed.
– Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel says he is not planning to sell reported Liverpool target Neven Subotic, calling him “an important part of the group” despite his lack of game time this season.
– According to reports, Federico Fazio is nearing a Tottenham exit having failed to impress at White Hart Lane, with former club Sevilla a likely destination.
– Zenit St Petersburg and Guangzhou Evergrande are preparing offers for Inter midfielder Fredy Guarin, according to reports.
– Barcelona are interested in Manchester City target Leroy Sane, reports German publication Kicker.
Lionel Messi credit: hy.wikipedia.org
– Chelsea defender Baba Rahman will remain at the club until at least the summer, his advisor has confirmed.
– Inter President Erick Thohir says they have ‘an ample squad’ but ‘it’s possible we’ll make some good buys in the market.’
– Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has insisted that he is not feeling any pressure to sign a new deal with the club.
– Tottenham have emerged as the bookmakers’ favourites to sign Fulham forward Moussa Dembele, ahead of Crystal Palace and Manchester United.
– Lyon have rejected a loan offer from Hellas Verona for the services of Lindsay Rose, according to L’Équipe.
– Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s agent assures it’s “too early” for his client to consider leaving Lazio.
– Fiorentina and Spartak Moscow have agreed terms for on-loan Genoa midfielder Tino Costa, according to reports.
– Torino have reportedly submitted a bid for Sevilla’s Ciro Immobile.
– PSG winger Ezequiel Lavezzi’s move to Inter in January ’is possible’ according to his agent’s associate.
– Swansea manager Alan Curtis has said the club are willing to listen to offers for Jonjo Shelvey.
– Acccording to reports, Aston Villa manager Remi Garde hopes to be handed a large transfer fund to turn around the club’s season after talks with the board.
Football tit bits:
Lionel Messi, FIFA Ballon d’Or
– Louis van Gaal believes Manchester United supporters should be happy their team are through to the fourth round of the FA Cup and suggested that traffic around Old Trafford, rather than apathy, was one of the reasons why many supporters left before the end of the 1-0 win over Sheffield United.
– Paris Saint-Germain have become embroiled in a row with the London-born rapper M.I.A after she wore a modified version of the club’s shirt in one of her music videos. Via Twitter, the 40-year-old has revealed a letter sent to her
record company, Universal Music, by Jean Claude Blanc, PSG’s deputy CEO, last month complaining about the fact she
can be seen in the video for Borders, a song about the global migrants crisis, wearing a white PSG shirt with the words ‘Fly Pirates’ across the middle, as opposed to ‘Fly Emirates’, the French club’s sponsor.
– Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or award for an unprecedented fifth time. The 28-year-old Argentine had 41.33% of the vote, with Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo (27.76%)second and Barca’s Neymar (7.86%) third. “It’s a very special moment for me to be back here on this stage winning again, after being there in the audience watching as Cristiano won for two years “, Messi said after picking up the award.
This is Game week 16 of our Bookies corner where we help Punters forecast on the best matches to put their money on.
Paul Ayorinde’s (@el_pauleta) predictions:
Italian Serie A
Udinese V Inter Milan- Double chance on Inter Milan:
After winning three matches on a trot, Udinese lost last weekend against high-flying Fiorentina while Inter Milan got a slim victory against Genoa. I expect this match to be tough for Mancini’s men,so i tip Inter Milan to get at least a point away from home on Saturday night.
Juventus V Fiorentina- Both teams to score (BTTS):
Juventus continued their resurgence defeating Lazio at Stadio Olympico in Game week 15 while Fiorentina thrashed Udinese 3-0 last weekend. This match promises to be a cracker and I expect it to be entertaining and full of goals. I am tipping both teams to score at the Juventus stadium on Sunday night.
English Premier League
Norwich V Everton- Double Chance on Everton:
Norwich lost against Watford in Game week 15 while Everton got a draw at home against Crystal Palace. I tip Everton to get at least a point at Carrow Road on Saturday afternoon.
Manchester City V Swansea- Man City win:
Manchester City were outplayed in their 2-0 loss to Stoke City in Game week 15 while Swansea’s defeat to Leicester last weekend cost Garry Monk his job. Manchester City will be looking to get back to winning ways when they play Swansea who has just one win in their last 11 matches. I tip Manchester City to win at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.
Aston Villa V Arsenal- Arsenal win:
Aston Villa got a morale boosting draw at St Mary’s in Game week 15 while Arsenal defeated Sunderland 3-1 at the Emirates. Aston Villa manager Remi Garde will face his former manager Arsene Wenger in a match that promises to be entertaining. I expect Arsenal’s attack to be too strong for a week Aston Villa defence. I tip Arsenal to win convincingly at Villa park.
Spanish Liga BBVA
Eibar V Valencia- Double chance on Valencia:
Eibar lost 1-2 against Real Sociedad in Game week 14 while Valencia got a draw against defending champions Barcelona at the Mestalla. This will be Gary Neville’s first La Liga game as Valencia’s coach and i expect his side to put up a good peformance. I tip Valencia to get at least a draw at Estadio Municipal de Ipurúa on Sunday afternoon.
Villarreal V Real Madrid- Both teams to score (BTTS): Villarreal got a 2-1 win against Rayo Vallecano last weekend while Real Madrid defeated Getafe 4-1 at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. Both sides play attacking football,so am expecting an entertaining match with lots of goals. I tip Both teams to score at Estadio El Madrigal on Sunday night.
German Bundesliga
Mainz V Stuttgart-Double Chance on Mainz:
Mainz defeated Hamburg 3-1 away from home last weekend while Stuttgart got a 1-1 draw against Werder Bremen. I tip Mainz to get at least a point at home on Friday night.
Borussia Dortmund V Eintracht Frankfurt- Dortmund win:
Dortmund got a massive result last weekend when they defeated Wolfsburg 2-1 away from home while Eintracht Frankfurt lost at home against Darmstadt.
I expect Thomas Tuchel’s men to be too strong for Frankfurt,so i tip Borussia Dortmund to win at home on Sunday.
French Ligue 1
Angers V Bordeaux- Double chance on Angers:
Angers continued their fairy tale season when they defeated Olympique Lyon away from home 2-0 last weekend while Bordeaux defeated Guingamp 1-0. I tip Angers to get at least a point at home on Sunday afternoon.
Ademola Adejuwon’s (@demydemo) predictions:
French Ligue 1
PSG vs Lyon- Over 1.5 goals:
Lyon has been disappointing so far in the league as they see themselves lying in 5th position behind the likes of Caen & Angers. Top scorer last season, Alexander Lacazette has been struggling to get goals this season as they also bowed out of the UCL during the week. PSG have been in fantastic form in the league this season and are yet to lose a game in the league. With the firepower of Zlatan,Cavani & Di Maria the Parisians have it in them to score goals when Lyon come visiting.
German Bundesliga
Bayern Munich vs Ingolstadt- Bayern win:
Bayern will look to bounce back from their defeat to Borussia Moenchengladbach last week with a win over newcomers Ingolstadt. Ingolstadt have won more games away from home this season than when playing at home and they might hope to shock the Bavarians at the Allianz Arena. Bayern are at their imperious best and they’ve also welcomed back Frank Ribery to the squad which will further boost their attacking prowess. The only surprise I see in this game is Bayern Munich not scoring more than 4 goals past Ingolstadt.
Bayern Leverkusen vs Borrusia Moenchengladbach- Over 1.5 goals:
In form Moenchengladbach travel to face Bayern Leverkusen this weekend on the back of their famous win against defending champions Bayern Munich last weekend. Bayern Leverkusen have been relatively poor this season with 6 wins out of 15 games. The two sides got eliminated from the UCL this week and will now look to divert all their attention to the Bundesliga to see if they can also get back to the UCL next season. This game would be a very tricky one but both sides would definitely get goals.
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 27: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Dortmund celebrates his team’s first goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund at Veltins Arena on September 27, 2014 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Sascha Steinbach/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Borussia Dortmund vs Eintracht Frankfurt- Dortmund Double Chance:
Dortmund seem to be closing the gap on league leaders Bayern Munich and they know that they need to be consistently racking up the 3 Points if they want to challenge for the Bundesliga title this season. Frankfurt have conceded 10 goals away from home this season,and also the form of Meier and Seferovic have dwindled a bit which have left them in 13th place on the log. Dortmund can be very erratic,but playing at the home,the least they would get is a draw.
Italian Serie A
AC Milan vs Verona- Milan Win:
Milan welcome bottom place Hellas Verona to the San Siro. Verona have not won any game this season as their form continue to dwindle. Milan haven’t been too convincing also this season even though they bought the likes of Bacca and Luiz Adriano. They drew last time out away to 19th place Carpi, but this time I think Milan knows all the three points is essential if they have to compete with the big boys in the league, knowing most of them have tricky fixtures this weekend.
Napoli vs Roma- Over 2.5 goals:
Two free scoring sides go head to head this weekend. Napoli are 3rd in the league and they surprisingly lost last time out against Bologna. The two teams are through to the next round of the various competitions they are in Europe this season. Roma and Napoli are two free scoring sides that hardly play the typical Italian way. We would expect to see goals in this mouth watering fixture come this weekend.
Luis Suarez
Spanish LA Liga
Barcelona vs Deportivo- Barcelona Win:
It’s a surprise knowing Barcelona have not won in their last two games. The Catalan giants would like to get back to winning ways this weekend as Deportivo comes to the Camp Nou . The MSN will once again bail Barcelona out even if Deportivo tries to be dogged as possible.
Villarreal vs Real Madrid- Madrid Double Chance:
The yellow submarines were once on the top of the LA Liga table but they now find themselves in 5th position after they had a couple of bad results. Villarreal won’t want to meet Madrid at this moment because of the form of Ronaldo and Benzema,but Madrid can also become a very conservative side in a tricky game like this, so Real Madrid might settle for a point.
Arsenal travel to the Villa park to take on Aston Villa who are still struggling to get out of the relegation waters this season.
Arsenal got a victory on their last visit to Villa Park and have won their last 3 meetings against Aston Villa in all competitions. The EPL is very unpredictable this season as even the big boys falter almost every weekend. Arsenal shouldn’t have problem getting past Aston Villa and with the form of Giroud and Ozil in attack for the Gunners,a draw should be the least expectation.
Leicester vs Chelsea- over 1.5 goals:
Table Toppers Leicester City host Chelsea this weekend. It’s been contrasting fortunes for both teams this season. Leicester City have found it easy to score goals in the league unlike their visitors. In Jamie Vardy and Algerian Riyad Mahrez, Leicester City are guaranteed of getting a goal against Chelsea this weekend. Leicester run of fixtures this month are tough and a win against the defending champions will give them more confidence to prosecute their remaining fixtures. Chelsea on the other hand,also need a victory against Leicester at the Kingpower Stadium knowing a victory might as well put their season right back on track. So,goals are guaranteed in this pulsating fixture come Monday night.
This is Game week 7 of our Bookies corner where we help Punters forecast on the best accumulators to put their money on.
Tobi Olubiyi’s (@Tobipreety) predictions:
English Premier League
Tottenham Vs Man City -Both teams to score (BTTS): This is a mouth watering fixture between two teams who naturally score a lot of goals. This fixture is coming at a time where the sky blues are conceding a lot of goals due to the absence of their gallant center back Kompany. His replacements Otamendi, Mangala and Demichelis haven’t been able to prevent them from shipping in goals as they have conceded 5 goals in their last 3 games in all competition.
I see both teams scoring in this game.
Manchester United Vs Sunderland- Manchester United win : The Red Devils are in superb form at the moment winning their last 2 League games against Liverpool and Southampton scoring 3 goals each in both matches. New boy Martial has also scored 4 goals so far and his confidence in front of goal is astonishing. Sunderland however have struggled for form this season and they have only drawn 2 in 6 games losing the remaining. Manager Advocaat’s job is in danger and if he is to rescue the black cats this season I don’t think it will start at Old trafford.
Spanish La Liga
Barcelona Vs Las Palmas – Barcelona to win both half: Barcelona are wounded lions right now after loosing 4-1 at Celta which was their heaviest defeat since march 2008 to end their perfect start to the season. They will look to bounce back immediately by getting a win against newly promoted Las Palmas who have only won once this season. Luis Enrique will set up his team to attack from the blast of the whistle till the end. I see Barcelona winning the first half and second half of the game.
Real Sociedad Vs Athletic Bilbao – Draw: David Moyes’ men finally got their first win of the season in their last game at Granada. The team is under a lot of pressure and the coach is trying to save his job, he would do everything to avoid their 3rd defeat of the season especially in front of the home fans. Bilbao also lost their last game albeit narrowly to star studded Real Madrid. I see this as a tight game and could end in a draw.
German Bundesliga
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund Vs Darmstadt – Dortmund win: BVB have been a totally different team this season compared to last season and they have come out blazing. Winning all matches this season in all competitions except the draw against a defensively determined Hoffenheim in their last game which ended their perfect record going into the season. I expect them to get back to winning ways against Darmstadt at the Signal Iduna Park.
Werder Bremen vs Bayern Leverkusen -Both teams to score (BTTS) : These two teams are evenly matched with both teams struggling this season. Bremen are 13th on the log with 7 goals while Leverkusen are 11th with just 4 goals scored. Schmidt’s men are not good travelers and have only won away on one occasion this season. I expect both teams to score in this game.
French Ligue 1
St Etienne Vs Nice – St Etienne win: St Ettiene are 2nd place on the table and have lost just once in 7 games this season. They are in form after winning their last 5 games. Nice how ever are picking up slowly and are growing into the season which was obvious in their 6 goal annihilation of a traditionally defensive Bordeaux last match day. I see St Etienne continuing their fine form at the Stade Geoffroy against Nice.
Bordeaux Vs Lyon – Lyon Win : Bordeaux were surprise 6-1 losers against Nice which further plummeted their woeful season leaving them 16th place on the the log and desperately looking for inspiration. Willy Sagnol’s bordeaux have been known to be defensively astute but that has not been evident this campaign as they have conceded 12 goals already which is the 3rd worse defense in the league behind Troyes and Bastia. Lyon were unlucky not to win against Marseille and Toulouse and I believe they will push harder in this game to get maximum points.
Italian Serie A
Napoli Vs Juventus – Any team win (Double chance): both teams started the season slowly but they have grown into the competition. It will be shocking to find Napoli and Juventus 12th and 13th place respectively. I see either team winning this game so i’m giving them double chance.
Genoa Vs AC Milan – Milan win : Mihajlovic’s Milan have had a roller coaster season so far winning 3 and loosing 2 games. Genoa have been far worse winning just one and loosing 4 games. Milan have a strong attacking force with Luiz Adriano, Balotelli,Carlos Bacca and Honda. This attacking threat would bee too much for Genoa to handle and I see Milan winning.
Paul Ayorinde’s (@El_pauleta) predictions:
Italian Serie A
Roma V Carpi– Roma win: Roma will be looking to bounce back from their midweek defeat to Sampdoria while Carpi are still delighted with their hard fought draw with Napoli. I expect Roma’s attacking prowess to be strong for Serie A newcomers Carpi. I tip Roma to win at the Olimpico.
Napoli V Juventus– Both teams to score (BTTS): it is the match of the weekend in the Serie A, both teams recorded disappointing draws against Serie A newcomers during the week. I expect the match to be an entertaining one with lots of goals. I tip both teams to score at the San Paolo stadium.
German Bundesliga
Mainz V Bayern Munich– Bayern Munich with over 2.5 goals: Bayern Munich are still basking in the euphoria of Robert Lewandoski’s five goals in nine minutes against Wolfsburg during the week. I expect them to get an easy win against Mainz at the Coface Arena on Saturday.
Hamburg V Schalke 04– Double chance(Win or draw) on Schalke: Both teams are in a rich-vein of form, so this match guarantees to be an exciting one. I tip Schalke to get at least a draw away from home on Saturday, so am going with a win or draw for Schalke 04 at HSH Nordbank Arena.
Spanish BBVA Liga
Real Madrid V Malaga– Real Madrid win with over 2.5 goals: Real Madrid are joint leaders of the league at the moment and I expect them to continue their winning form against Malaga on Saturday. I tip Real Madrid to win convincingly at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Villarreal V Atletico Madrid– Both teams to score(BTTS): Villarreal continued their good form this season with an away win at Malaga on Wednesday while Atletico Madrid won at home during the week as well. This match is going to be exciting and I expect both sides to get on the score sheet, so am tipping both teams to score at the El Madrigal on Saturday.
French Ligue 1
Nantes V Paris Saint-Germain- PSG win: Nantes have been struggling this season losing their last 3 league matches. PSG have not be exceptional this season but I expect them to be too strong for Nantes, so i am tipping PSG to get an easy win at the La Beaujoire-Louis-Fonteneau on Saturday.
Leicester V Arsenal– Both teams to score (BTTS): Leicester are the only unbeaten team left in the league this season and I expect the game against Arsenal to be cracker. It will be difficult to predict if there is a winner in this one but am sticking my neck out to predict that both teams will get on the score sheet on Saturday.
Manchester United V Sunderland- Man Utd win: Manchester United have enjoyed a good start to the season and are just two points adrift of league leaders Manchester City while Sunderland are rooted to the bottom of the league. I expect the trio of Rooney,Memphis and Martial to be too strong for Sunderland’s defence, so I tip Manchester United to get a win at home on Saturday.
Tottenham V Manchester City– Double chance(win or draw) on Manchester City: Tottenham made it two consecutive 1-0 wins in the league when they defeated Crystal Palace last weekend while league leaders Manchester City were beaten by West Ham in Gameweek 6 and will look to bounce back immediately. I expect Manchester City to get at least a point at White Hart lane on Saturday, so am going with a win or draw on Manchester City.
Title defender Boyd Exell (AUS) wrote history this afternoon in the dramatic FEI World Cup™ Driving Final in Bordeaux (FRA). Christoph Sandmann (GER) finished second, ahead of Exell’s biggest opponent, IJsbrand Chardon (NED). The Australian won the FEI World Cup™ Driving champion title for the sixth time, once more than the previous record holder Germany’s Michael Freund.
It was a three-man Winning Round. After Christoph Sandmann and Boyd Exell had driven theirs, IJsbrand Chardon entered the arena with his special indoor team. The Dutch held an advantage of approximately three seconds over Exell and flew through the course, determined to win the coveted title which has eluded him since 2006. Unfortunately however his carriage lost balance in the left turn and Chardon had to make a correction. This caused his right leader horse to come out and spectacularly jump over the start/finish element. As Chardon had come too close to the next marathon type obstacle, he could no longer correct the situation and went through the wrong gate. He had no other choice except to retire.
Boyd Exell drove two wonderful clear rounds in full concentration and put the pressure on last man Chardon. Exell was especially pleased with his right wheeler horse, the 25-year-old Carrington Park Ajax affectionately called Junior, who has now been retired from the sport. Junior has been part of Exell’s team at every FEI World Cup™ Driving competition. He thanked the exceptional gelding by escorting him out of the arena, walking beside him while his navigator Michelle drove the team.
Dutch driver IJsbrand Chardon is in the lead after the first competition of the FEI World Cup™ Driving Final 2015 in Bordeaux (FRA) (Pierre Costabadie/FEI)
Christoph Sandmann was very pleased with his second place. The multiple German champion and organiser of a CAI3* at his home in Lähden did not take any risks in the first round and went full speed in the Winning Round, knowing he had nothing to loose since the difference between him and the two leading drivers was too big. His clever tactics resulted in a wonderful third place for the experienced driver, who had not competed in Bordeaux since the series’ first season in 2002.
Fredrik Persson (SWE) finished in fourth place, ahead of Koos de Ronde (NED), wildcard driver Sébastien Mourier (FRA), and Georg von Stein (GER).
Quotes:
Boyd Exell on his way to a historic sixth victory in the FEI World Cup™ Driving Final at Bordeaux (FRA) today. (Pierre Costabadie/FEI)
Boyd Exell (AUS): “Once we got in our zone, it felt like the old winning wheel again. Because of my injured hand, I had to sharpen the bit settings and I could not play with them as much as I would have liked to. Poker, who is only seven, was a true member of our team today but the highlight for me really was the retirement of Junior. I am so thrilled for him and so happy he finished his career with a win.”
Christoph Sandmann (GER): “I am very happy with my second place. I did not compete in the World Cup last season and I had a special indoor team for this season with which I am very pleased.”
IJsbrand Chardon (NED): “I was very fast and I believe I was even five seconds ahead of Exell when fate struck again. I feel terrible that this has happened, I really wanted to win. But this is the game and I accept it.”
Results after the FEI World Cup™ Driving Final 2015 Final competition, Bordeaux (FRA), Sunday, 8 February 2015:
Boyd Exell (AUS) 239,41
Christoph Sandmann (GER) 273,29
IJsbrand Chardon (NED) ret
Fredrik Persson (SWE) 155,11
Koos de Ronde (NED) 161,63
Sebastien Mourier (FRA) 172,48
Georg von Stein (GER) 184,62
Official results
Irish Jumping sensation, Bertram Allen, made it a double of wins when scorching to victory in the thrilling penultimate leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2014/2015 Western European League series at Bordeaux, France tonight.
And his result was all the more phenomenal for the fact that the 19-year-old rider was partnering Billy Twomey’s stallion Romanov who, at 17, was the oldest horse in the class and just two years younger than the man in the saddle.
There was plenty of tension in the air, as many riders were desperately bidding for those elusive extra qualifying points that will get them to the Longines Final in Las Vegas, USA in two months’ time. But Allen was already well-assured of his ticket following a spectacular indoor season, and tonight the young man who recently moved up to 14th in the Longines world rankings stands top of the Western European League leaderboard.
Underpinning his extraordinary achievement, he left German superstars Ludger Beerbaum (Chaman) and Marcus Ehning (Singular Ls La Silla) in his wake, while Timothee Anciaume (Olympique Libellule) slotted into fourth for France.
Asked afterwards if he was surprised to have beaten such a world-class field, Allen replied, “no, not really. I’ve always known that Romanov is a great horse, and he was just brilliant tonight!”
Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2014:2015
Up to the task
Course designer, Italy’s Uliano Vezzani, gave them a generous 78 seconds to complete the first course of fences, and 11 of the 40 starters proved up to the task. The triple combination at fence 10 took the biggest toll, but there were also plenty of mistakes at the vertical at eight and the oxer at fence nine which each had a water-tray below them.
The clever jump-off track took horses on a figure-of-eight before looping back to the last element of the former triple combination which was followed by the 1.60m vertical at fence 11 and a long gallop to the final oxer. It seemed Germany’s Beerbaum had it in the bag when the 51-year-old ace, who enjoyed very little luck in earlier legs this season, produced the smoothest of runs from the 16-year-old Chaman to set a strong target in 37.72 seconds when fourth to go.
That left him almost five seconds ahead of the only other clear round produced by the host nation’s Timothee Anciaume and Olympique Libellule after Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander kicked out the last with Lintea Tequila and Italy’s Luca Moneta and Connery lowered the third.
Despite a breath-taking turn inside fence 11, Marcus Ehning and Singular la Silla still couldn’t better Beerbaum’s target time when clear in 38.44. And when Zurich winners Sergio Alvarez Moya and Carlo from Spain left two on the floor, and Ireland’s Denis Lynch (All Star), and Kevin Staut (Reveur de Hurtebise) and Penelope Leprevost (Flora de Mariposa) from France all collected single errors, Beerbaum was still out in front.
Formidable reputation
However although still so very young, Allen has already earned a formidable reputation for skilled riding against the clock. With his top horse, the grey mare Molly Malone with which he clinched victory at the Longines leg in Verona, Italy last November, he is always to be feared. But he had no doubt that Romanov could do the job equally well this evening. Setting off at a relentless pace, he was well in touch as he cleared the penultimate vertical and the crowd held their collective breath as he urged his veteran campaigner to a big stand-off at the final oxer, stopping the clock in 36.48 seconds to go well out in front. And when the final partnership of The Netherlands’ Maikel van der Vleuten and VDL Group Verdi made a mistake, it was the Irishman’s moment.
“I knew I was in with a chance, and I just kind of set sail down the last! He’s a brave horse with a lot of experience” Allen said afterwards. He said Romanov “had a win in Zurich (two weeks ago), but it wasn’t a big class. He had a break after Birmingham (GBR) where he won the Showjumper of the Year last October, and we’ve been building him up especially for today”.
Ireland’s Bertram Allen clinched his second victory in the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2014/2015 Western European League at Bordeaux, France tonight riding Romanov. (FEI/Pierre Costabadie)
Quick to praise
Runner-up, Ludger Beerbaum, was quick to praise the winner. “To be honest, the competition in the jump-off wasn’t really close – he (Allen) was more than a second faster, fantastic work from him. He is very fast and so is the horse. I don’t think I could have beaten him today for speed”. And he added, “looking at Bertram today, I remember how old I am! The first time I competed in Bordeaux was in 1987, Bertram wasn’t even born then! I was 23 years old at the time and won the Grand Prix. Since then, I haven’t won the World Cup here, so I guess I need to come back again next year then!”
Third-placed Marcus Ehning wasn’t at all disappointed, as his horse is only a nine-year-old and full of promise. “He competed in his first Grand Prix and World Cup in London and he jumped clear over there, and now he’s done it again here – twice! I’m really happy, despite not being the fastest” he said.
Course designer, Uliano Vezzani, had the final word when putting tonight’s result into context. “I’m very happy”, he said, “because Bertram is the future….”
Third for Sweden was Rolf-Göran Bengtsson with “Casall Ask”in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Zurich 2015 Pic Karl-Heinz Frieler
Result:
1, Romanov (Bertram Allen) IRL 0/0 36.48;
2, Chaman (Ludger Beerbaum) GER 0/0 37.72;
3, Singular Ls La Silla (Marcus Ehning) GER 0/0 38.44;
4, Olympique Libellule (Timothee Anciaume) FRA 0/0 42.43
5, Reveur de Hurtebise HDC (Kevin Staut) FRA 0/4 37.56;
6, Flora de Mariposa (Penelope Leprevost) FRA 0/4 37.64;
7, Lintea Tequila (Edwina Tops-Alexander) AUS 0/4 38.45;
8, All Star 5 (Denis Lynch) IRL 0/4 39.95;
9, VDL Groep Verdi TN NOP (Maikel van der Vleuten) NED 0/4 41.95;
10, Connery (Luca Moneta) ITA 0/4 42.62; 11, Carlo 273 (Sergio Alvarez Moya) ESP 0/8 40.28.
The French partnership of Simon Delestre and the stallion Qlassic Bois Margot produced a devastating turn of speed to win today’s eighth leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2014/2015 Western European League at Mechelen in Belgium. (FEI/Dirk Caremans)
Facts and Figures:
Bordeaux, France presented the eleventh and penultimate leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2014/2015 Western European League series tonight.
The winner was 19-year-old Bertram Allen from Ireland partnering Billy Twomey’s stallion Romanov who, at 17, is just two years younger than Allen and the oldest horse in tonight’s competition.
Allen is the only rider to win two legs of the current series. He previously came out on top with his mare, Molly Malone, at Verona, Italy last November.
Allen, who earlier this week moved up one place to No. 14 in the Longines world rankings, now heads the Western European League table with a big total of 71 points.
11 of the 40 starters qualified for the second-round jump-off against the clock.
The top four riders all jumped double-clear rounds.
Course designer was Italy’s Uliano Vezzani.
France was represented by three riders in the jump-off, including Kevin Staut who has competed at all 11 of the Western European League qualifiers to date and who, tonight, finished fifth with Reveur de Hurtebise HDC. Staut now lies second on the Western European League table with 63 points.
Gothenburg, Sweden presents the 12th and last leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2014/2015 Western European League series on Sunday 1 March 2015.
Second in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Zurich 2015 was Bertram Allen for Ireland riding “Molly Malone” Pic Karl-Heinz Frieler
Quotes:
Bertram Allen: “There is a super atmosphere here in Bordeaux, it’s one of the best shows on the circuit. I’m delighted. When you are one of the last ones to go at the jump-off and manage to get away with it, it’s a great feeling!”
Timothee Anciaume: “The aim today was simply to keep up the good run of form my horse (Olympique Libellule) has been in. He isn’t well known, I am aware of that. Nevertheless, he has come to Bordeaux in solid form and, given his lack of experience, today was all about trying to get to the jump-off and jump clear; time was not really the priority or focus. The horse has progressed very well and jumped 10 cms higher than the courses he is used to. I am obviously not aiming to compete in Las Vegas considering this was my first World Cup. I’m around the 100th place, if I can get to the top 50 in the coming months then that would be great”.
Marcus Ehning: “Singular LS is owned by Maria Gretzer. I’ve had him now for two years. He’s very much an up-and-coming horse and has improved a lot over the last two years. I’m very proud of him”.
Eric Dulong (President of the Event): “It’s my first year as President and it has been a wonderful, unique experience. It’s also been a great success in terms of visitors, quality of the event and riders – especially today, when you see how young the winner is! This has been another great step for us as a show and we want to keep going further. Thank you to all the riders for having come to Bordeaux and contributing to this success”.
Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2014/2015 Western European League – Standings after Round 11 at Bordeaux (FRA):
1. Bertram Allen IRL – 71
2. Kevin Staut FRA – 63
3. Steve Guerdat SUI – 57
4. Harrie Smolders NED – 56
5. Edwina Tops-Alexander AUS – 54
6. Marcus Ehning GER – 53
7. Daniel Deusser GER – 50
8. Maikel van der Vleuten NED – 45
9. Marco Kutscher GER – 44
10. Hans-Dieter Dreher GER – 44
11. Lucy Davis USA – 42
12. Simon Delestre FRA – 41
13. Douglas Lindelow SWE – 41
14. Martin Fuchs SUI – 40
15. Geir Gulliksen NOR – 38
16. Penelope Leprevost FRA – 38
17. Sergio Alvarez Moya ESP – 37
18. Luca Maria Moneta ITA – 36
19. Jur Vrieling NED – 33
20. Jos Verlooy BEL – 33
21. Reed Kessler USA – 32
22. Roger Yves Bost FRA – 30
23. Patrice Delaveau FRA – 30
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