THERE was an Irish one-two in the 1.55m three-star Grand Prix at Bolesworth International Horse Show in England last weekend when Billy Twomey overturned Jonathan Smyth to land an emotional victory with Chat Botte E.D.

The pair were the fastest of five double clears in the 13-horse jump-off, breaking the beam in 48.75 seconds to take the top prize of €19,300. Smyth rode Noletta Smyth and Roy Craig’s Irish Sport Horse gelding Mulvin Lui (Luidam x Baron de Chantepie), bred by Vincent Loftus, into second place in 50.10. Richard Howley posted the fastest time (46.36) with Consulent de Prelet but four faults saw him finish seventh.

“He is an outstanding jumper who’s always been freakish over a fence,” commented Twomey of the horse who was purchased for him by the late Sue Davies. “It’s an emotional win. Bolesworth is only 20 minutes from Pewit Hall, where Sue used to live. I sometimes pick up my phone and have to stop myself from trying to call her, as I always called her after a win. She was a huge supporter of mine for 22 years. Chat Botte hasn’t done a lot recently. He’s popular as a stallion. His offspring are beautiful.”

Smyth was thrilled with second place and on Thursday celebrated a win at the venue in the 1.45m. Riding the 13-year-old gelding, he earned just over €9,000.