IN the official Longines World Show Jumping Rankings published today (Tuesday), covering competitions during the month of January, Ireland has eight riders in the top 100, with Co. Down’s Conor Swail highest at No.26.

Tipperary's Denis Lynch in 29th place, with fellow Tipp rider Shane Breen improving to 35th place.

Cork’s Shane Sweetnam has also gained two places in the table, coming in at No.53, while Mayo’s Cameron Hanley jumps six places to 62nd.

Wexford teenager Bertram Allen is down one place at 65th, while Olympic Bronze Medallist Cian O'Connor is at No.74.

Cork’s Billy Twomey made the biggest improvement during January, climbing from 107th place to re-enter the Top 100 at 93rd.

The Longines World Show Jumping rankings measure the performances of over 2,000 international riders each month, and the current leader is Britain's Scott Brash, with fellow-Briton Ben Maher in second place. 

The rankings are published by the world governing body for the sport, the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) in Lausanne, Switzerland.