Cork’s Billy Twomey is now the third-ranked show jumping rider in the world, according to information announced by the sport’s world governing body on Wednesday, with Tipperary’s Denis Lynch in fifth place.
Thirty-four-year-old Twomey gained vital Rolex World Ranking points from a recent run of successes on the international circuit with Sue Davies’s Je t’Aime Flamenco and Tinka’s Serenade, while Lynch has continued to campaign consistently with Thomas Straumann’s talented string of horses.
Horse Sport Ireland Chairman Joe Walsh said this morning: ‘For such a small nation, it is remarkable that we continue to dominate this sport in such a way. Not only are we the only country to have two riders in the world top five, but currently the Irish team is also top of the FEI Nations’ Cup league, which features the world’s best eight show jumping teams.
‘Billy Twomey has contributed to his country’s success with truly extraordinary performances in the last few months, and it comes as little surprise to me to see him achieve this new, and well-deserved, world ranking.’
The Rolex World Jumping Rankings, compiled by the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) in Switzerland, also show Meath’s Cian O’Connor achieving his highest-ever ranking, at 29th, while Jessica Kurten is also in the world top 50, in 46th place. Over 2,000 international riders are included in the Rolex monthly world rankings.
