“We knew how good we were, though, and we knew that if we kept jumping clear Belgium would have to match us and so would everybody else. The lads were magnificent and kept on ramping up the pressure on the rest, and eventually they couldn’t live with us.

“This is one that’s escaped us for a few years and I had it on my bucket list so I’m thrilled. Obviously, it’s been a great week, having won last Sunday in Canada and I couldn’t be happier.

“These lads are just brilliant – Cian and Bertram are incredible riders who have seen it all and know when to deliver, and I’m especially proud of Tom and Seamus – the two lads have come through our youth programme and have gained valuable experience through the EEF Series, and that showed today as they delivered at the highest level.

“The last time we won here Seamus was eight years old and Tom was six! It shows how strong this programme is that these two lads performed so well and we could have Shane Sweetnam here as our fifth rider.”

Allen was double clear on Qonquest De Rigo, and he echoed Blake’s sentiments. “Coming to La Baule is a highlight of the season, it’s great to win here. It’s a traditional show, one of the Rolex Series, which are always the best shows and are where all the best riders want to be.

“As Michael said, when we saw the start list yesterday, we knew it would be difficult but we knew we had a good team, good riders and good horses, so we were confident of a good result.”