In the build-up to this year’s Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show in the RDS (which gets underway today), 20-year-old Bertram Allen has undoubtedly been the main focus of attention.

The Wexford native is a pivotal member of Ireland’s team for the Aga Khan Trophy on Friday, but despite enjoying success with his horse Molly Malone in the CSIO5 Grand Prix in Dinard, France last Sunday, the World No 7 has decided not to bring her to the south Dublin arena for this week’s events.

Allen admitted that this was a difficult choice for him to make, but with the European Championships just around the corner (which offers a route into next year’s Rio Olympics), he explains why it was a practical one.

“It wasn’t an easy decision, not to bring her here. We brought her to Dinard, a 5-Star Show in France last week, where she won the Grand Prix. She has a week or two off, and then she’ll go to the European Championships normally.

“It’d be great if we could do something good here to set us up [for the European Championships]. That’s the biggest goal, along with here, for an Irish rider. That’s our biggest goals this year, and they’ve come quite close together the two shows, but hopefully our plan will come together.”

For now though, Allen’s focus is firmly on Friday’s Aga Khan, and with a proven horse – Romanov – alongside him, he believes that the Irish can make an impact in a hotly-contested competition.

“It’s always special to be back at the Aga Khan. For an Irish rider, it’s one of the highlights of the year. I’ve been selected on one of the best horses, Romanov.

“He feels in great form, so hopefully we can get something done this week.

“We have a strong team here. Five strong riders. I’m not sure which four they’re going to go with, but I think we won’t be far away if it all goes to plan.”