Eight Irish riders are inside the top sixty in the latest Longines FEI rankings published today, writes Mike Dunne.

The elevation of Richie Moloney from 64th to 58th adds to the seven Irish riders who were already inside the 60 best positions in the standings.

The top-ranked Irish rider continues to be Bertram Allen, who remains inside the top twenty, dropping one place to 17th.

Denis Lynch returns to the top 30, moving up five places to 27th after a fruitful weekend at Lyon with All Star. Also making a five-place upward move is Darragh Kenny, now occupying 37th, while Conor Swail ranks 33rd, a drop of one place.

Cian O’Connor moves up to 40th from 43rd last month, while Billy Twomey holds onto his top 50 status, dropping one place to 48th.

Shane Sweetnam is just one place outside the top 50, having moved up from 59th.

Further down the top 100, Daniel Coyle makes a huge leap from 140th to 84th after successful campaigns in October in Harrisburg and Lexington.

Heading the Longines Rankings is Germany’s Christian Ahlmann, who maintains his lead over Simon Delestre of France, while American McLain Ward takes over third spot from compatriot Kent Farrington.

Longines FEI Rankings:

1. Christian Ahlmann (GER)
2. Simon Delestre (FRA)
3. McLain Ward (USA)
4. Kent Farrington (USA)
5. Daniel Deusser (GER)
6. Eric Lamaze (CAN)
7. Marcus Ehning (GER)
8. Kevin Staut (FRA)
9. Penelope Leprevost (FRA)
10. Scott Brash (GBR)

Irish in top 200
17. Bertram Allen
27. Denis Lynch
33. Conor Swail
37. Darragh Kenny
40. Cian O’Connor
48. Billy Twomey
51. Shane Sweetnam
58. Richie Moloney
84. Daniel Coyle
108. Anthony Condon
118. Shane Breen
124. Dermott Lennon
148. Cameron Hanley
161. Greg Broderick
=186. Marion Hughes