Twomey pipped by Schroder
The Corkman, riding Luidam, was one of seven riders to progress to the second round from a starting line-up of 33, all aiming for a slice of the 100,000 on offer.
Third to go against the clock, he said he opted for a clear round and was willing to pay a price in terms of speed. That price was 10,000, with Schroder knocking more than a second off the target to claim the first prize of 33,000.
Twomey, nevertheless, was satisfied with his day’s work.
“I thought I would go quite fast, but aim for a clear. In hindsight, I could have gone a bit quicker, but I’m really pleased, nevertheless and it’s nice to have a good result before the European Championships,” he said.
Twomey said jumping in the grand prix would have no adverse affect on the 10-year-old Dutch stallion ahead of Ireland’s defence of their European title in Germany in two weeks’ time.
“It will make no difference. All that talk this week of saving our horses is rubbish,” said the British-based rider.
It had been suggested earlier in the week that those riders selected for the championships would not compete their mounts yesterday, but Twomey rubbished this, saying it had not been mentioned to him.
“You do not come to a show like this and not jump in the Grand Prix. The horse will have a week’s rest and I would say jumping in the Grand Prix will have no affect on him. If I thought it would, I would not have jumped him,” he said.
Aside from Twomey, team-mates Cian O’Connor and Kevin Babington also lined out in yesterday’s showpiece, with only Robert Splaine opting to save Coolcorron Cool Diamond.
While Twomey and O’Connor progressed to round two, Babington fell foul of American Linda Allen’s tricky course, notching up nine faults with Carling King.
O’Connor, aboard Waterford Crystal, was unlucky to four-fault in a jump-off to finish sixth, but his consistent performances all week netted him the leading rider award for the second year.
Earlier yesterday, Lieutenant David O’Brien also had to settle for second when beaten in the speed derby.
Riding the Clover Hill mare Lismore Clover, the Army rider stopped the clock in 67.24. William Funnell and Cortaflex Machiavelli had the better of it, however, coming home in 66.71 to take the 5,400 top prize.
Cian O’Connor paired up with the nine-year-old Oldenberg mare ABC Landliebe to take third.
On Saturday, O’Connor’s recent investment in Irish Independent Absolon almost paid dividends in the ebookers Puissance.
The 23-year-old had purchased a half interest in the French-bred stallion from Roloff Brill two weeks ago with the sole purpose of retaining his Dublin high-jump title.
His investment almost paid off, after he joined Harry Marshall riding XL and Michael Whitaker with Dacapo in the last round.
However, Whitaker, impressive throughout, was the only rider to clear the 7’ 1” wall for victory.
In the Czech Republic, Ireland’s junior eventing team placed seventh in the European Championships.
Sam Watson (Demi Tasse), Vincent Bergin (Morafic Dream), Caragh Kennedy (Cavalier John) and Robert Glynn (Killossery Karina) finished on a team total of 217.80, with the gold going to Italy on 157.40.
