BILLY Twomey came within two-hundredths of a second of victory in this afternoon's (Sunday) World Cup Qualifier at Olympia, London, riding Sue Davies's talented 13 year-old mare 'Tinka's Serenade'.

With 16 combinations through to the jump-off, the 33 year-old Cork rider claimed the lead over France's European champion Kevin Staut when fourth last to go, but then watched as his former mentor, Britain's veteran show jumper Michael Whitaker, clipped a tiny fraction off his time with the gelding 'Gig Amai' to claim the 30,000 euro first prize.

Twomey, currently ranked ninth in the world, picked up 18,000 euro and valuable Rolex ranking points for his runner-up finish, and said afterwards: "The mare was fantastic today. She has just been going from strength to strength all year."

Olympia's five-star Grand Prix takes place on Monday night.
Listen to Billy Twomey's interview following the class HERE

Billy Twomey