Twomey triumphs in Spanish Jump-Off

CORK-born Billy Twomey was in top form at the five-star show in Gijon, Spain today (Thursday), taking the honours in this evening’s big jump-off class, and placing third in the morning’s opening competition.

Facing a big 60-strong field of international riders, Twomey and the remarkable 18 year-old mare Tinka’s Serenade were one of 11 combinations who made the cut for the jump-off, and came home in style, pipping Saudi Arabian ace Abdullah Alshartbatly and the 12 year-old Domingo by just over a third of a second to claim the 20,000 euro prize.

Ireland recorded another top five place in the competition when Co. Down’s Dermott Lennon finished in fourth with the Irish Sport Horse Loughview Lou-Lou.

Earlier today Twomey brought out the grey gelding Tin Tin for the Two Phase competition and placed third, with local rider Diego Perez Bilbao and Lordanos Junior taking the winner’s trophy.

On Wednesday at Gijon, Army rider Capt. Michael Kelly took a second place in the speed competition aboard the Irish Sport Horse Drumiller Lough, just over a second behind Abdullah Alsharbatly and the 12 year-old Quintus.

Billy Twomey on Tinka’s Serenade