Allen’s stallions managed by Ballywalter Farms

It has been announced that Bertram Allen and Ballywalter Farms are taking over management of their five stallions at their German base in Hunxe near Dusseldorf. “My sister April will be in charge”, he told The Irish Horse as he headed to the big five star in Basel last weekend.

The quality five sires include Romanov (Heartbreaker/Fedor), Hector van d’Abdijhoeve (Cabrio van de Heffinick/Utrillo), Dino (Berlin/ l’Amour z) plus two young ones Silvermines Cruising (Cruising/ Quel Hero de Muze) and Guinness (Nabab de Reve/Katell xx).

Reynolds’ sights set on World Equestrian Games

Stunning performances over the past few years on the international stage from Judy Reynolds and the 16-year-old gelding Vancouver K, has seen the pair rise to 17th place on the Dressage World Rankings. Thirty-six year-old Reynolds, who is based in Germany, is now focused on preparations for September’s World Equestrian Games.

“We are not planning to compete at any of the remaining indoor World Cup rounds. We missed the qualifiers up to now and it’s too late now to start a campaign for the finals. The plan is to focus on being ready for the outdoor season in April with the main aim for this year being the World Equestrian Games,” commented Reynolds.

Dublin Racing Festival attracts bumper entry

The Dublin Racing Festival which takes place on 3-4 February at Leopardstwon, has attracted some very strong entries. An intriguing clash of top hurdlers Buveur D’Air and Faugheen might well be on the cards in the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle.

There are seven Grade 1 races to be run over the course of the weekend with the Unibet Irish Gold Cup taking place on the Sunday.

Fifteen Irish-trained Cheltenham Gold Cup hopefuls are among the entry for the €200,000 event with Noel Meade’s Road To Respect, Anibale Fly, trained by Tony Martin, Eddie Harty’s Coney Island, Jessica Harrington’s Our Duke and Joseph O’Brien’s Edwulf in the early line-up.

Three trainers have made multiple entries with five runners from the Willie Mullins stable, including Total Recall and Killultagh Vic. Gordon Elliott has Cheltenham hopefuls Mala Beach and Outlander on his team while Henry De Bromhead has entered three horses, Balko Des Flos, Sub Lieutenant and Outlander.