Twomey takes first Irish win of weekend at five-star Basel

CORK-born Billy Twomey notched up Ireland’s first win this weekend at the prestigious five-star show in Basel, Switzerland, and did so riding an Irish Sport Horse.

The 37 year-old, who is now based in England, showed a notable turn of speed at the St Jakobshalle stadium this afternoon (Friday), when he piloted Joe Flynn’s grey stallion across the line with almost a second in hand over Belgian challenger Gregory Wathelet and Egano van het Slogenhof.

Twomey collected 6,000 euro for his win against a top international field of 50 competitors, and also saw fellow Irish rider Cameron Hanley come home in fourth place with Eleonore Paschoud and Yves Bouvier’s Newton du Haut Bois.

More ribbons were claimed by Ireland last night when Tipperary’s Thomas Ryan also took a fourth place in the speed class with Aschwanden Simone’s Quite Zero. Cameron Hanley was again in the top ten with Newton du Haut Bois, taking sixth place.

The trio are joined at Basel by Jessica Kurten, Bertram Allen and Denis Lynch.

The Swiss Longines Grand Prix takes place on Sunday afternoon, when a total of 270,000 euro in prize money will be available.

Billy Twomey and Ardcolum Duke (ISH)