CORK show jumper Billy Twomey joined Laura Renwick, Geoff Billington and Grand National-winning jockey Bob Champion in parading through the city of Liverpool ahead of the Liverpool International Horse Show, which takes place at the Echo Arena from December 31st to January 2nd.

With a group of around 50 which included the famous Waldburg Shire, Shetland ponies and members of the Pony Club, the parade went along a route from the city’s Garden Festival site before ending at the ACC Plaza and Echo Arena.

Twomey, winner of the first Liverpool International Grand Prix last year with Diaghilev, said: “It was a truly memorable day and really whetted the appetite ahead of what I know will be another fantastic show. The people of the city really got behind us, and it was a real pleasure to take part.”

Well-known as a joker on the show jumping circuit, former international show jumper Geoff Billington will be back to MC much of this year’s show jumping events. “The city of Liverpool has supported today’s event magnificently, and the show itself, which is a fantastic, world-class addition to the equestrian calendar. The support has been truly amazing,” he added.

Liverpool International, the brainchild of Nina Barbour, who is also the founder of Bolesworth International, has a total prize fund of £160,000.

Show jumping action will attract some of the biggest international names with the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Grand Prix taking place on Monday, January 2nd. Added entertainment will include the ABBA tribute band ‘Revival’, the Shetland Pony Grand National and carriage driving.

“We had a fantastic first Liverpool International last New Year, and we really cannot wait for the second edition, which will be another three-days of action-packed entertainment,” Barbour said.

Tickets are on sale now, with family tickets and season tickets available. For more information, visit www.liverpoolhorseshow.com.