Billy Twomey and Tinka’s Serenade win the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final
At the end of a thrilling and suspense-filled final, Ireland’s Billy Twomey (world n°9) and Tinka’s Serenade emerged victorious in the Final of the 2011 Rolex IJRC Top 10.
The tension rose gradually throughout the day on Friday, as the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final drew closer.
Around 9.15pm, as the spectators were taking their seats, the Gucci Masters course was plunged into darkness. The moment had arrived to present the protagonists for this prestigious event. The Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final was back in Paris, after moving to Geneva last year.
In this two-stage competition, everything counted: obstacle faults and the clock. The specially designed course was worthy of the event, with a double Rolex along the grandstands, a tricky post and plank by the paddock and a triple combination of horizontal striped bars along the catering stand.
America’s Beezie Madden was first up. The world n°11 and Olympic team vice-champion was invited in place of her compatriot McLain Ward, the world n°3. Riding Cortes C, she completed the course picking up 12 penalties.
With noisy encouragement from the Paris crowd, Simon Delestre (FRA) and Napoli du Ry faulted at the approach to the double. But Ireland’s Billy Twomey and his excellent mare Tinka’s Serenade were first to jump clear, and in an impressive time too. Denis Lynch (IRL) and Abbervail Van Het Dingeshof emulated them, but posted a slightly slower time.
There was also warm applause for Kevin Staut as he took to the course riding Le Prestige St Lois de Hus, who seemed in a tetchy mood. It took all the European vice-champion’s skill and control to prevent the selle français’ kicks from doing serious damage to the pair’s score, already heavy at 12 penalties.
Slower than her two Irish rivals, Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander, winner of the Global Champions Tour, completed a fine clear round with Vleut, who was given the nod over Itot du Château at the last moment. Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer, meanwhile, was unable to prevent Verdi III from committing a fault.
In contention for his ninth final, Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum also jumped clear with Gotha. The European champion and world n°2, Sweden’s Rolf-Goran Bengtsson and Ninja La Silla, looked to be in with a shout of victory as they cruised to a clear round in the fastest time.
As for Eric Lamaze, the Olympic champion and world n°1 took to the course riding Coriana Van Klapscheut and cheered on by a hugely appreciative crowd. The Canadian and his mare also jumped a clear round.
The second round put paid to any hopes Kevin Staut might have been harbouring. Le Prestige St Lois de Hus was definitely not in his element on Friday evening, and the French pair picked up another 17 penalties before they made their way back to the paddock.
Beezie Madden and Cortes C jumped clear, but Simon Delestre and Napoli du Ry committed two faults. Denis Lynch looked downcast as he left the course, having accumulated 12 penalty points with Abbervail Van Het Dingeshof that effectively ended his charge for a podium place. As in the first round, Pius Schwizer and Verdi III picked up 4 penalties, while Rolf-Goran Bengtsson committed 2 faults with Ninja La Silla.
Edwina Tops-Alexander was hit by a refusal from Vleut and the pair collected a total of 7 penalty points. Ludger Beerbaum and his mare were unable to repeat their clear first round, and picked up 4 penalties.
Eric Lamaze and Coriana, still enjoying the enthusiastic support, produced a superb clear round and might have thought victory was in the bag. But Billy Twomey and Tinka’s Serenade had other ideas, as they repeated their first round performance with a combination of stunning precision and tremendous speed!
And so the Irish pair triumphed in this 2011 event, adding their names to the illustrious roll of honour of the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final.
It all starts again in Geneva in December 2012…
Quotes:
Billy Twomey (IRL), 1st: “When I went to check out the course, I thought it was a difficult event. The second round was quite long. The course designer really did a good job and I’m pleased with the way my horse performed. The Top 10 is a competition that’s grown in stature over the years. It’s a real honour to win it.”
Eric Lamaze (CAN), 2nd: “I’m very happy with Coriana. I don’t usually enter her in this kind of event, as the mare tends to do more speed challenges. It’s good to know that she can be very competitive over this height. Many riders dream of winning the Top 10, but it’s very satisfying just to be on the podium.”
Ludger Beerbaum (GER), 3rd: “The first round was quite tight with 6 clear rounds out of 10. The second round was tough to ride with quite a long distance. The best pair won tonight.”
Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA): “The riders’ club would like to thank Rolex for its support in this Top 10 and its commitment to equestrian sports. We look forward to seeing you at the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final in Geneva in December 2012”.