'Freakishly' talented stallion steals the show

Ireland’s Billy Twomey claims an emotional grand prix victory for his stallion’s late owner, chased home by a breakthrough star, sealing an action-packed show

- SARAH RADFORD

FROM the moment Billy Twomey and the “freakishly” talented Chat Botte ED delivered their effortless first round, Cavago’s £16,500-to-the-winner grand prix looked like a foregone conclusion.

The 15-year-old stallion’s complete package of scope and natural ground speed gives him every advantage – and it was apparent that in the absence of a mistake, nothing was going to catch him.

The smart money was on the on-form Irish riders in this finale, three of whom had made the top 25% to go through to the jump-off.

Joining Billy were the quick Richard Howley with Consulent De Prelet Z and the show’s breakthrough star Jonathan Smyth, who had won his first rankings class with the lovely Mulvin Lui earlier in the week.

GAME ON

OF the 13 riders to make the cut, three carried through time-faults from the first round, with the rest on clean sheets. The game was on when first of the clears, Yazmin Davis, delivered a competitive round on Zanbowa Z.