CORK'S Billy Twomey ended up with 24,000 euro for his fifth place at the rich Paris Gucci Masters Grand Prix in France this afternoon (Sunday), riding the chestnut mare 'Tinka's Serenade', which he co-owns with Sue Davies.

First to go in the 11 horse jump-off, the 33 year-old Irishman went clear with a scorching time of 35.06 seconds, but had to sit it out as the remaining ten top-ranked international riders tried to better his attempt.

The top prize of 75,000 euro finally went to Germany's Marco Kutscher and 'Cash 63', who as last combination into the arena had the benefit of watching their predecessors find the most advantageous lines between the obstacles.

Twomey, now ranked at number nine in the world, also had a third place with 'Tinka's Serenade' in Friday's jump-off competition at the five-star Paris venue.

Billy Twomey