Billy Twomey brought one of the best Millstreet International Horse Shows in recent years to a superb conclusion this afternoon by taking the honours in the feature event, the €50,000 Millstreet International Grand Prix. Last to go in the ten horse jump-off, Twomey knew that he had to go clear and faster than the time of 50.24 set by Peter Moloney and Ribanbelle Tame (Ephebe for Ever x Quidam de Reve. A record crowd held their breath as Twomey navigated the Mark McGowan designed course with ease to win the €16,500 first prize with Joe Flynn’s traditionally Irish-bred Ardcolum Duke (Gypsy Duke x Clover Hill).

The eleven year old Gypsy King gelding is on form at the moment, having won the Accumulator class at last weekend’s Discover Ireland Horse Show and taking second place in the Speed Derby. Speaking after the win, Twomey said ‘Millstreet is where it all started for me. It’s great to be able to come down here, catch up with friends and family and win the Grand Prix. "I'm lucky to have a competitive horse like this. He’s Irish-bred and rarely finishes outside of the placings."

Limerick man Paul Kennedy produced the only other double clear of the competition with his mother Jane’s Cartown Danger Mouse while Deane Rogan and Edward Butler held on to their single time faults incurred during the first round concluding the top five as all-Irish.