Irish riders have improved their positions on the latest Longines World Jumping rankings released today, with Ireland consolidating their strong position with 8 riders inside the top 50.

Bertram Allen has climbed three places to number 18 as the Wexford 21-year-old continues his reign as Ireland top-ranked rider. Tipperary's Denis Lynch remains at number 27, while Offaly's Darragh Kenny moves up two places to 33.

Cian O'Connor jumps four places to 34, with Conor Swail remaining at number 36. Billy Twomey moves up six places to 38 and his points tally still doesn't include his Liverpool Grand Prix result which should see him improve even further next month.

Shane Sweetnam remains at 41, while Richie Moloney is up two places to 48. Other Irish riders inside the top 100 include Daniel Coyle at 83 and Anthony Condon at 97.

Germany’s Daniel Deusser goes into 2017 as the new World number 1, overtaking fellow-countryman Christian Ahlmann who had enjoyed a lengthy period in pole position, with America’s Kent Farrington at number 3.

Judy Reynolds holds onto her place as number 21 on the Dressage World Rankings which are once again headed by Germany's Isabel Werth.