IRELAND’s Denis Lynch has booked his place at the Longines FEI World Cup Final in Omaha at the end of March with a third place finish in the Western European League.

Lynch had already secured his place before the final round in Gothenburg, Sweden, last weekend where he finished in 11th place with All Star 5 (Argentinus x Alme). Lynch was one of 12 riders to jump clear in the first round and picked up four faults against the clock in a time of 40.48. Victory went to Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann with a breath-taking performance aboard Mary Lou. Von Eckermann had a fairytale show on his home turf and had already earned the Leading Rider of the Show award before winning the World Cup qualifier at the famous Scandinavium Arena.

“It’s been a crazy week. My worst placing was third and I had three second places and three wins – will I ever have a show like this again?!” said the delighted 35-year-old after his win.

Dutchmen Maikel van der Vleuten (VDL Groep Verdi TN NOP) and Leopold Van Asten (VDL Groep Zidane NOP) finished in second and third place respectively.

In Saturday’s 1.55m jump-off class, Lynch was unlucky to pick up a single time fault in the first round with Echo de Laubry, which saw him finish in sixth place.

After a win in the 1.40m on the opening day aboard Ho Go Van De Paddenborre, Lynch then guided the 10-year-old bay stallion by Darco to sixth place in Friday’s 1.45m speed class with a clear in 61.24 seconds. The class was won by Henrik von Eckermann and Little Lord (0/59.00).