Ireland’s Billy Twomey thrilled the crowd at Royal Windsor Horse Show with a perfectly performed round on Ardcolumn Duke (Gypsy Duke x Clover Hill) to take Friday's 1.50 Bahrain Pearl Stakes. With an early draw in a 17-strong jump-off, the Nottinghamshire-based rider had to put the pressure on with a strong target time.

“He’s always competitive,” said Billy, who beat France’s Adeline Hecart on Question d’Orval (Rosire x Tu Viens Dorval) into second place. “I knew if I put in a good time I’d be in with a good chance.”

The 11-year-old stallion has recently returned to competition having had some time off for semen collection. His comeback began two weeks ago at Newark and Nottinghamshire County Show.

“He’s stepped up again here and I’ll be jumping him in the Alltech Grand Prix [for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy] on Sunday,” said Billy, adding: “I’ve been coming to Royal Windsor Horse Show for years. It has great facilities and a great atmosphere.”

The 1.40 Manama Speed Stake proved a happy hunting ground for Laura Renwick, well known as a dangerous rival against the clock. Riding the seven-year-old Ulievka de Breve (Toulon x Le Tot de Semilly), Britain’s leading lady rider took and held the lead from fellow countryman Robert Smith aboard Candy Boy (Triomphe de Muze x Darco).

The day’s remaining international class, the 1.35 Land Rover Stakes, culminated in a 13 horse jump-off. The result was another victory for the home country with Danny McGlynn and Atletico Van D’Abelendreef (Skippy II x Heartbreaker) taking first place ahead of Harry Charles, son of Olympic Gold Medallist Peter Charles, and Vivaldi du Dom (Casall x Veneur du Prelet).

Source: Press release from Revolution Sports + Entertainment