Ireland finished third behind Belgium and France after a thrilling Longines FEI Nations Cup world final in Barcelona, where the final result went right down to the wire.
Anthony Condon and SFS Aristio helped Ireland to a third place finish in the Longines FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona.
An incredible competition saw the lead change several times over the closing stages, with Belgium eventually being crowned champions, while runners-up France and third-placed Ireland could only be separated by time.
As the competition progressed it became clear that the demanding course would take serious jumping, with clear rounds at a premium only four of the 32 starters recorded did not lower a pole.
Rodrigo Pessoa’s team included three horses making their first appearance in a Nations Cup, while 21-year-old Michael G Duffy was jumping in his first ever five-star Nations Cup for Ireland.
Billy Twomey was first out for Ireland with Kimba Flamenco and finished with just one fence down. Condon also came home with just four faults aboard SFS Aristio and Ireland were in a share of the lead at the halfway stage on four faults.
Duffy looked to be heading for a clear round when third to go with The Irish Sport Horse Lapuccino 2, but just like many others, the last line proved costly as two late poles fell to the floor.
The result hung in the balance as Ireland’s last rider, Darragh Kenny, came in with Balou Du Reventon.
Irish team manager Pessoa said: "We are pretty pleased, we came close to doing something really special. Clear rounds were hard to come by and we came close to forcing a jump-off but in the end we have to be satisfied with finishing third."
