Double delight for Twomey and Thijssen

Billy Twomey scored his second victory of this year’s HOYS when he and Veronique Whitaker’s Tropicana galloped to victory in the FinnForest Hunter Woodshavings Cup.

The Cheshire-based Irishman ended up almost 2sec clear of his rivals — led by Foxhunter champion David McPherson on Crocket 18 — in this table C class.

Tropicana has been in good form lately, including winning the 1.40m grand prix at the BSJA Festival.

“I’m hoping that Veronique will let me keep the ride,” said Billy.

Dutch rider Leon Thijssen finished the evening by taking the £4,500 prize in the Golden Bear Challenge. This group competition slightly confused the members of the audience, but they certainly got behind the riders in the jump-off.

Robert Maguire looked on for the win with Two Mills Showtime, but Leon produced a lovely round on Nairobi, the horse on whom he won the previous day’s Vinopolis Stakes, to take the honours by almost 1sec.

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