CORK’s Billy Twomey beat off a star studded international field to win last Sunday’s Palm Speed Stakes at the five-star Royal Windsor Horse Show in Britain.
Twomey produced the fastest of eight clear rounds aboard the Sue Davies-owned 15-year-old gelding Tin Tin, crossing the line in 60.82 seconds to out-pace Swiss runner-up Pius Schwizer and Leonard De La Ferme (0/61.47), and pick up just over €6,800.
Canada’s Tiffany Foster finished third with Brighton (0/61.89), with the top 10 finishers also including former world number one Scott Brash, fellow British rider John Whitaker, American Kent Farrington and Wexford’s Bertram Allen, who slotted into ninth place with Molly Malone V (4/62.48).
British-based Twomey said afterwards: “I’m absolutely delighted. The horses had to be really careful out there today, but the course worked in our favour as I was able to miss out a few strides here and there.
“It’s great to be competing at five-star level here at Windsor, it’s a great show and it’s nice to be on home soil with the family around, as we’re abroad so often.”
America’s Kent Farrington won the biggest pot of the week, Sunday’s £254,000 Rolex Grand Prix, with Sherkan d’Amaury (Kannan x Quick Star). The jump-off had the packed crowds on the edge of their seats as 12 riders came forward to compete for the £63,000 first prize.
Home favourite Scott Brash, riding his talented mare Ursula XII, put up a good challenge much to the crowd’s delight, to finish in third, and Lorenzo de Luca and Halifax van het Kluizebos secured second as last to go, but it was only Kent who managed to break the elusive 40 second barrier, proving why he’s the best in the world.
Speaking at the Rolex Grand Prix press conference, Kent said, “I was really thrilled with my horse, he is just stepping up to this level and he was unbelievable, I couldn’t have asked for more. This is one of my favourite shows and I’m not just saying that because I won here today. There’s a combination of an amazing setting, an unbelievable crowd, top course designing and great footing. That is the best of the best, and now with Rolex stepping up and making this a five event, it’s on par with the best in the world.”
SKELTON RETIRED
Meanwhile, there wasn’t a dry eye at Royal Windsor Horse Show on Sunday as the crowds took to their feet to witness Britain’s show Jumping legend Nick Skelton, and his gold medal winning horse, Big Star, stand together in the arena for the last time.
In front of Queen Elizabeth II and packed out grandstands, Skelton was joined by his family, owners, fellow Team GB riders and loyal groom, Mark Beaver, to say his final goodbye. The pair walked a final lap of honour in-hand to a standing ovation, with the crowd cheering to mark their respect and admiration for Skelton, whose career spanned five decades.