FOUR-time Olympian Cian O’Connor has entered the top 10 in the Longines World Ranking for the first time in his career, while there are a further four Irish in the top 20 and seven in the world’s top 50.

After a superb run of form, O’Connor rose two places this month. Derry’s Daniel Coyle is up three places to 14th, Conor Swail has dropped five places to 16th while just behind him, and up three places, in 17th is Cork’s Shane Sweetnam. Darragh Kenny completes the top 20.

O’Connor said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have entered the top 10 in the Longines World Rankings for the first time in my career. I want to pay a huge thanks to everyone who has helped make this rise possible over the past 12 months – especially my family, Ruthie, Ben and Cara.

“Also thanks to the owners of the super horses who jumped so many clear rounds around the globe for me; Susan Magnier, Nikki Walker, Sarah Stoute, Rachel Penner and Pat Crean – many, many thanks for your wonderful support.

“As always, thank you to my incredible team who keep the wheels turning at Karlswood - thank you all so much for everything you do for me, the horses and the wider Karlswood brand. Success is Reward for effort and we’re only getting started.”

USA’s Kent Farrington has taken over as world number one for the second time in his career, having held the position for a year between May 2017 and May 2018. Farrington brings to an end Henrik von Eckermann’s record-breaking almost three years (32 months) at the summit. Von Eckermann has slipped to third behind Britain’s Ben Maher.

Boyd Martin takes over

There is also a new world number one in eventing and he also represents USA. Boyd Martin has claimed the top spot for the first time in his career, climbing from 10th and taking over from Britain’s Tom McEwen who has dropped to second.

Boyd Martin is the first USA athlete to reach the top of the eventing world rankings in 21 years. The highest placed Irish rider is Austin O’Connor in 23rd place.