Billy Twomey claims grand prix in Liverpool

Cork show jumper Billy Twomey won the grand prix in stunning fashion at the inaugural Liverpool International Horse Show last night.

Riding the 12-year-old bay gelding Diaghilev, the Nottinghamshire-based rider was one of 10 to make the jump-off and had a big margin, 1.6 seconds, to spare over his nearest rival, British veteran John Whitaker on Ornellaia, with Sweden’s Peder Fredericson third aboard H&M All In.

Twomey had given indication of his threat with Diaghilev in Friday’s feature 1.50mtr jump-off class, posting the fastest time, but knocking the last fence to finish fourth behind third-placed Down rider Dermott Lennon and Fleur V.