Ireland’s Billy Twomey claimed the Horse of The Year Show (HOYS) leading showjumper of the year title with Tinka’s Serenade on Sunday evening.
The 16-year-old mare, who has had many successes for Billy and owner Sue Davies, jumped the fastest of 2 double clears to take the £13,200 winner’s purse.
The 6 combinations with the lowest first round faults progressed into the jump off, with Daniel Neilson (Varo M) coming forward to jump 1st as the fastest 4-faulter.
Both Ellen Whitaker (Arena UK Lando) and young rider rankings leader Chloe Aston (Quiet Easy 4) carried 1 time fault with them into the 2nd phase.
Cian O’Connor (IRE) with Cooper; Frenchman Julien Epaillard (Qarat De La Loge) and Billy Twomey had all produced clears, with Billy winning the advantage of last draw having jumped 4sec inside the optimum time.
The jump off came down to a battle of the Irish. Daniel Nielson held the lead after jumping a quick clear, but with the 4 faults remaining on his sheet. Ellen and Chloe both faulted, leading Cian to opt for a steady clear.
Frenchman Julien Epaillard took all the short cuts, but got too close on a turn back to the Horse of the Year Show vertical to finish on a very quick 4 faults.
“Cian played it safe so I made sure I was clear but a little faster,” said Billy, who was nearly 6sec quicker than his team mate. “I did one turn and I was then careful round the rest of the course.”
It was the 2nd time Billy has won this title, having taken it in 2008 with Je T’aime Flamenco.
“Tinka jumped a clear for the team in Barcelona 2 or 3 weeks ago, so she’s been hitting some form lately,” said Billy
Don’t miss H&H magazine’s special report on all the action from HOYS, on sale Thursday 17 October.
