THE IRISH show jumping team staged a notable second-round comeback today (Friday) to climb from their half-time sixth place to finish fourth in the Swiss Nations' Cup at St. Gallen.

The points gained by today's result also saw Ireland jump two places in the Meydan Nations' Cup leaderboard, putting them in fourth position amongst the world's ten best show jumping teams.

On a course made doubly difficult due to the effects of violent rainstorms yesterday, clear rounds from any of the competing teams were not frequent, but Billy Twomey delivered one near the end of the competition with 'Je t'Aime Flamenco' to help Ireland climb past the Swiss and the Dutch.

Darragh Kenny and 'Obelix' had five faults in the first round, while Shane Breen with 'Carmena Z' also produced five in each round. Both Billy Twomey and Cian O'Connor and 'K Club Lady' racked up nine faults in the first round, but both improved second time out, O'Connor touching just one pole in his final round.

Team Ireland Equestrian's show jumping manager Robert Splaine said from St. Gallen this afternoon: "It was an absolutely top class performance today by the team on a tough course, and in very testing conditions. Billy Twomey gave us a spectacular clear round at a crucial time to leapfrog over the Swiss.

"Cian O'Connor made a great comeback in the second round with his mare, while Shane Breen delivered a solid performance in both rounds. Darragh Kenny also gave us a score that counted in the first round.

"It's worth noting that the Swiss fielded their championship team this afternoon, but we finished ahead of them. It was a very, very solid performance by the Irish team today."