IRELAND now has nine show jumpers in the official World Top 100, with 19 year-old Bertram Allen from Wexford reaching his highest place to date, coming in at No. 17.

The Longines World Show Jumping Rankings published yesterday (Friday), and covering competitions during the month of November, show Ireland punching well above its weight in the hotly-contested standings.

Over 2,000 international riders are monitored each month, and points awarded for top performances at major shows.

Behind Allen in yesterday’s rankings, Tipperary’s Denis Lynch has improved by eight places to enter at No. 22, while US-based Darragh Kenny has jumped three places to reach No. 36.

Mayo’s Cameron Hanley has also improved by three places to claim 50th place.

Behind Hanley are Billy Twomey (64th), Shane Breen (65th), Shane Sweetnam (67th), Conor Swail (72nd) and Richie Moloney (97th).