Lynch and Twomey get off to solid start in World Cup

IRISH show jumpers Denis Lynch and Billy Twomey got their World Cup off to a solid start in Leipzig, Germany, yesterday, with the pair finishing fourth and sixth respectively in the opening competition at the show.

Both riders produced first-round clears, with Lynch and Abbervail vanhet Dingeshof picking up a single time fault, while Twomey and Tinka’s Serenade ended with two faults. Lynch also placed 10th with All Inclusive NRW on three faults.

Nottinghamshire-based Corkman Twomey qualified with ease for the final, while German-based Tipperary rider Lynch only booked his place by winning the last qualifier.

As such, Twomey’s chances cannot be dismissed, but both riders will be aiming to prove the credibility of any claims they may have when the World Cup begins in earnest tonight with the first of the finals.

Meanwhile, entries have topped 150 for this weekend’s Ballindenisk International Horse Trials near Watergrasshill, Co Cork.

The dressage and show jumping phases take place on Saturday, with the cross-country on Sunday.