IRELAND'S Billy Twomey has broken into the top ten of world show jumping
rankings for the first time, appearing at number nine in the official
list today (Thursday).

Twomey is joined in the Rolex World Top Ten by Denis Lynch, who is at
number seven, and in the Top 15 by Jessica Kurten, who is in 14th place.

Thirty three year-old Twomey said today: "I'd like to thank all the
people who have helped me - my owners, sponsors and supporters. I'd also
like to thank the Irish Chef d'Equipe Robert Splaine for giving me the
opportunity to compete at top class shows."

"I have a couple of very capable horses at the moment, and of course
this is also the reason why I have been able to win enough points for my
first top ten position," he added.

HSI Chairman Joe Walsh commennted today: "This is a significant achievement by
Billy Twomey. For such a small country to now have two riders in the
world's top 10 and another in the top 15 is amazing," he said.

"It is just a pity the general sports media do not give the riders
sufficient credit for their achievements. In what other sport do we have
three athletes in the top 15 in the world?" he said.

The Rolex World Jumping Rankings are compiled by equestrian's world
governing body, the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale), and
feature over 2,000 international riders. France's Kevin Staut currently
leads the individual Rolex World Rankings.

 

Billy Twomey