Twomey claims second win in Barcelona
Billy Twomey chalked up his second win at Barcelona's five-star show today in the fourth competition of the weekend.
Piloting Michael Connaughton's grey Irish-bred mare 'Cavinem', the Cork rider beat Belgium's Grégory Wathelet to the trophy by just over a second.
Twomey also roder 'Cavinem' to victory in the opening speed class of the show, outpacing American challenger Lauren Hough and 'Alberto II' by a remarkable eight seconds.
The 33-year-old rider, who has been selected as a member of Ireland's World Equestrian Games team, will compete with Sue Davies's stallion "Je t'Aime Flamenco' in this evening's €120,000 Barcelona Grand Prix, where Capt. David O'Brien and the Co Down-bred 'Kiltoom' are the only other Irish entry.
The Barcelona Grand Prix has been won by Irish riders only twice in the last 15 years - Paul Darragh with 'Cera' in 1996, and Jessica Kurten with 'Castle Forbes Cosma' in 2009.
SHOW JUMPING RESULTS:
Copa Diputació de Barcelona Trofeo Coca Cola International Jumping Competition Accumulator (Art. 269.1.2.3 5) 1m50
1) Cavinem (ISH); Billy TWOMEY (IRL) Points 44 Time 44.08
2) Cobra 0014; Grégory WATHELET (BEL) Points 44 Time 45.29
3) Sidoline Van De Centaur; Yann CANDELE (CAN) Points 44 Time 47.33
35 starters
