Cian O'Connor agonisingly missed out on a place in the final round of jumping at the World Equestrian Games in North Carolina on Sunday afternoon, finishing one spot outside the top 12.
O'Connor and Good Luck were sixth overall in the individual event after Friday's third round of jumping and came into today's action with high hopes of making the podium.
However they earned a score of 14.69 after getting home with two fences down - eight faults - and that was not quite enough to send them through to this evening's medal-deciding round.
American Adrienne Sternlicht, with Cristalline, edged out O'Connor with a total of 14.26, taking the 12th and last place in the climactic round.
Germany’s Simone Blum with the 11-year-old mare DSP Alice then took the gold medal as the only combination to jump clear in all five competitions this week.
Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs won silver with Clooney, while another Swiss rider Steve Guerdat bagged bronze with Bianca.
World Equestrian Games - Jumping indiv final
— Team IRL Equestrian (@TeamIRLEq) September 23, 2018
Cian O'Connor & Good Luck finish just 1 place outside the top 12 who go forward to the final round. It has been a fantastic effort all week from Cian and "Luke" who were outstanding for the Devenish & Underwriting Exchange Irish team pic.twitter.com/dIPC5ThqND
Speaking afterwards, O’Connor was already looking ahead to his next challenge.
"I love the challenges and demands of these major championships," he said.
"I particularly enjoy the planning and strategy it takes to build a horse to peak at these events.
"Good Luck is an outstanding athlete and finishing 13th at these World Games was no mean feat. Upwards and onwards to the next challenge and my conquest for more championship medals continues."
