THE Irish show jumping team scored a podium finish in the five-star BMO Nations Cup at Spruce Meadows in Canada on Saturday night, after Chef d'Equipe Taylor Vard guided his team to third place.

Ireland were drawn last to jump of the nine teams in the first round and the pressure was on from the start with only the top six teams to go forward to round two.

Conor Swail and Rubens LS LA Silla got Ireland off to the perfect start with a clear round, before Daniel Coyle and Cita also left all the poles standing, picking up just a time fault. Dermott Lennon and Gelvins Touch (ISH) finished with nine faults, which had to be added to Ireland's scorecard after anchor rider Capt Brian Cournane and Dino collected 13 faults.

Belgium, Switzerland and Brazil were the three teams to exit after the opening round, leaving Ireland to battle with USA, Germany, France, Mexico and the home team from Canada.

Swail finished with five faults second time out, while Coyle and Cita lowered a single rail. Lennon then produced an excellent clear with the Irish Sport Horse Gelvins Touch.

The USA were pushing Ireland all the way for a place on the podium, however an excellent final round from Cournane and Dino, where they picked up just a time fault, saw Ireland take third place on a total of 15 faults.

Germany took home the winners' trophy on six faults, while Canada scored a runner-up finish on home soil, finishing with 13 faults. USA had to settle for fourth place behind Ireland, with Mexico in fifth and France in sixth place at the finish.

The Spruce Meadows Masters comes to a close today with the The CP 'International' presented by Rolex, which is part of the Rolex Grand Slam and one of the richest prizes in show jumping.

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

Equiline – Official athlete clothing supplier of Team Ireland Equestrian