Billy Twomey on Top as Irish Riders Take the Top Two Spots in the ClipMyHorse.TV Tankard CSI 4*

By Jumper News on 2025-06-20

Hickstead, England – June 20, 2025 – Ireland’s Billy Twomey (IRL) headed an Irish one-two in the ClipMyHorse.TV Derby Tankard CSI 4*, the feature international class on Thursday at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting CSI 4*. Twomey added another Hickstead win to his tally today when winning the main class of the day, which was his first major title here since winning the King George V Gold Cup in 2016.

Riding the 10-year-old Jumping Jack van de Kalevallei, Billy came out on top of a five-strong jump-off, crossing the finish line in a time of 42.26 seconds. It saw him take the top spot ahead of his compatriot Commandant Geoff Curran (IRL) and Tempo Manor, who were more than a second in arrears on 43.83 seconds.

It’s quite a new partnership for Billy, who got the ride at the end of last year. “I haven’t had him that long, just since December, and he’s done nothing but be seriously competitive at all the shows he’s been to, so I’m very lucky to have him,” said Twomey, who his originally from Cork but is now based in Southwell, Nottinghamshire.

Billy’s horse originally came from the Netherlands, where he was jumping at 1.45m level, but has since progressed up to 1.60m level. “He has all the attributes: he’s very powerful and very careful. Although he’s a stallion, he’s very brave and always wanting to do his job correctly,” he added.

Twomey won the 2016 edition of the King George V Gold Cup with Lizziemary, so knows what it takes to win in the International Arena. His winning ride today also seemed to relish the wide expanse of the main ring at Hickstead. “He has an exuberant gallop, so suits these big rings, he can cover the ground. I just tried to stay in a good rhythm, and luckily, I was just slightly faster.”

The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting takes place from 19-22 June. Tickets are available online.

Final Results – ClipMyHorse.TV Derby Tankard CSI 4*

1) Billy Twomey (IRL) & Jack van de Kalevallei – 0 / 0 – 42.26

2) Geoff Curran (IRL) & Tempo Manor – 0 / 0 – 43.83

3) Alexander Bragg (GBR) & Hegglelane Houston – 0 / 0 – 44.82

FULL RESULTS

Source: Press Release from Hicksted Press Office for the All England Jumping Course – Hickstead