Twomey and Kürten ensure good day for Irish

Show jumper Billy Twomey’s fourth place in the World Cup qualifier at Leipzig, Germany, has propelled him to the top of the Olympic rankings, according to Horse Sport Ireland, while Jessica Kürten posted her first major grand prix win in over a year in Amsterdam.

The Corkman’s performance with Tinka’s Serenade saw him overtake long-time rankings leader Denis Lynch, from Tipperary, boosting hopes Ireland will have two individual riders at the Games, having failed to qualify a team.

The ranking are determined by results from January of last year to March 1, with the top three riders securing Olympic slots. Of these, Ireland is permitted a maximum of two places, but it is manager Robert Splaine who decides who makes the trip to London.