BILLY Twomey tonight (Friday) delivered another top three place for Ireland at the five-star show in Cannes, France when finishing as runner-up to France's European Champion Kevin Staut in the speed class.

The 33 year-old Cork-born rider and Sue Davies's chestnut mare 'Tinka's Serenade' crossed the line just under half a second slower than Staut and the Selle Francais stallion 'Major de Coquerie'. France's Oliver Desutter finished in third place with the Cruising mare 'Aranka'.

Twomey added his ribbons to Jessica Kurten's Thursday night win in the Cannes feature jump-off class on 'Castle Forbes Libertina'.

Both riders will join Ireland's Denis Lynch to challenge some of the world's other top riders and horses in a bid for points and a share of the massive 285,000 euro prize fund available when they compete in Saturday night's Grand Prix.
 

Billy Twomey at Cannes tonight