OLYMPIC bronze medallist Cian O’Connor and Cork’s Billy Twomey have been confirmed as entries for The Underwriting Exchange Limited Grand Prix in Cork Greyhound Stadium next Friday, June, 12th.

Carrigaline-born Twomey will travel from his British base to compete in his home county of Cork where he will ride his 17-year-old mare Tinka’s Serenade, with whom he competed at the London 2012 Olympic Games. It is believed that Twomey also intends to tackle the Puissance on the night.

O’Connor will ride Quidam’s Cherie, the 10-year-old mare on whom he has jumped several Nations Cups for Ireland. Also joining the start list will be Tipperary’s Greg Broderick, fresh from Nations Cup action at St Gallen. They will join former world champion Dermott Lennon and Loughview Lou Lou in the star-studded line-up.

Twelve of the 16 starters have now been confirmed for Cork and the final four riders will be named by Robert Splaine and the organising committee on Monday.

Among the riders on the reserve list for the West Wood/Ifor Williams Amateur series in Cork is Patrick Wall, chairman of HSI, riding Trebor.

Entry costs €15 for adults, students and OAP €10, with children under-14 free. To book, call 1890 269 969 (ROI) or 00353 61448080 (NI & UK) or visit www.horsesportireland.ie. The opening round got underway in Limerick last night. Go to www.theirishfield.ie for the latest news.