Twomey triumphant in Five Star Swiss Grand Prix

Billy Twomey snatched the 90,000 euro first prize in this afternoon's (Sunday) Grand Prix in Basel, Switzerland, beating German challenger Marcus Ehning by just three-tenths of a second.

The 33 year-old show jumper, currently ranked seventh in the World Jumping Rankings, piloted the 14 year-old mare 'Tinka's Serenade', which he owns jointly with Sue Davies.

Twomey was one of 16 top international riders in the St. Jakobshalle arena to make it through to the second round on a zero score from a start list of 47. After beating Ehning's time, the Cork-born rider then had to wait while another five combinations tried to best his effort, but none could produce the winning formula required.

Afterwards a thrilled Billy Twomey said: “I'm delighted with today's performance. It's nice to get one in the bag with Tinka's Serenade. We've been knocking on the door for quite a while, with top five places, and it was really great today to finally get one in. I'd like to thank my staff and my owners and everyone else who helps keep the horse on the road.”

Team Ireland Equestrian's show jumping manager Robert Splaine said: “This was a top performance from a top man on a top horse. My congratulations go to Billy and his owners.”

The 2010 winner of the Basel Grand Prix was Cian O'Connor, making it an Irish two-in-a-row.