LIMERICK's Paul O’Shea has scored one of Ireland’s best results of the season so far, taking a superb victory in Friday night's five-star Longines Grand Prix at the Palm Beach Masters in Florida, USA.

Riding the Tequestrian Farms-owned 11-year-old gelding Imerald van ‘t Voorhof, O’Shea produced one of just three double clear rounds and came out on top after a 15 horse jump-off.

Despite such a large number of combinations going forward to the second round, clear rounds in the decider were at a premium. O’Shea was third-last to go against the clock and took the lead with an excellent clear in 36.03.

Israel’s Danielle Goldstein and Billy Twomey’s former mount Lizziemary were second last to go and managed to shave half a second off O’Shea’s target, but left one fence on the floor to drop them down to fourth.

Experienced American pairing Margie Goldstein-Engle and Royce left all the poles standing when last to jump but their time of 36.78 would see them finish as runners-up behind O’Shea, who collected just short of $70,000.

The only other clear round in the jump-off came from Colombia’s Juan Manuel Gallego who finished third with Coulash van de Broy Z.

Paul O’Shea is part of Michael Blake’s Irish squad who will line-out in the opening Longines FEI Nations Cup of the season at the Palm Beach Masters in Florida on Sunday.

He is joined on the squad by Cormac Hanley, Shane Sweetnam, Conor Swail and Darragh Kenny, with Ireland up against teams from Canada, Colombia, Israel, Mexico and USA.

The Irish Show Jumping team is sponsored by Devenish and The Underwriting Exchange.

Equiline – Official athlete clothing supplier of Team Ireland Equestrian