Billy Twomey takes the Hickstead Speed Classic title

Billy Twomey lands the British Speed Classic class at Hickstead’s Longines Royal International Horse Show.

Late win

Billy Twomey is making a habit out of breaking hearts. After snatching a win under Nicole Pavitt’s nose in the Bunn Leisure Vase on Thursday, Billy denied Ben Maher of the same fate during the British Speed Classic on Saturday afternoon.

Eighth to start in a class of twenty-four, Ben held on to pole position on a time of 67.22 seconds for the entire class until Billy, last to go, swooped in to beat his time by a hundredth of a second to finish on 67.21.

“I had the benefit of watching everyone go, and Ben was really neat everywhere on a really fast horse,” he said.

After his victory, Billy expressed his admiration for Thomas “Quite simply, I just like riding him. He has a nice feel. You’ve won half the battle when you like to ride them; I liked him as soon as I sat on him,” he said.

Crucial tactis

In a test of pure speed, the Hickstead class forced a strong play of tactics from riders, as Billy explained.

“My aim when warming him up is to get him off my leg on the flat. He can’t hesitate; when I ask him go, he needs to go forward immediately. Sharper horses you’d warm up differently, but he’s a straight forward horse,” he said.

The Irishman now intends to have a short rest from the competition circuit.

“I’ve been to a lot of shows over the last few months and I’m due a break. I have loads of young horses at home to work on, and I’m looking forward to spending time with my three children,” he said.