Irish rider Billy Twomey is now the third-ranked show jumping rider in the world, and compatriot Denis Lynch is fifth.

Billy Twomey and Tinka's Serenade. © Kit Houghton/FEI

The new Rolex Rider Rankings were released by the FEI this week, and Canada's Eric Lamaze is in the top spot with France's Kevin Staut in second position.

Twomey, 34, 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.

"For such a small nation, it is remarkable that we continue to dominate this sport in such a way," said Horse Sport Ireland Chairman Joe Walsh. "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 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. More than 2000 international riders are included in the monthly world rankings.

Sourced from: http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2011/06/036.shtml