For the first time in 45 years, the French show jumping team won the Aga Khan Trophy, while Ireland were third at the Kerrygold Horse Show in the RDS.
France, with a clutch of double clear clear rounds, took a two-round total of just four faults and finished well clear of Italy, who were second on 16 faults.
Despite a copybook first round clear by 22-year-old Kildare rider Cian O'Connor Ireland failed to manage another clear round in the competition and picked up a total on 20 faults, which left them in third place overall.
However, the points picked up at Dublin today mean that Ireland now qualify for the Samsung Nations Cup Final at Donauschingen, Germany, in two weeks' time.
Filed by Rob Wright
