Cian O’Connor continued his notable run of top five finishes tonight with a third place in the five-star Estoril Global Champions League jump off.

Part of the Miami Glory team alongside the USA’s Georgina Bloomberg, O’Connor was one of a large field of 18 who went through from the first round, and with Super Sox had an advantageous late slot in the 1m55 jump off.

A careful round in a time of 46.52 seconds did not threaten the leading riders – Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs on Clooney, who took the trophy, and USA runner-up Jack Towell with New York – but once again showed that O’Connor is back in top form after his six week injury lay-off.

Bloomberg, riding Manodie II H, also went through to the final round, but had two fences down. However, thanks to O’Connor’s double clear, the Miami Glory team ended up in the lead tonight, with the second competition of the league due to take place on Saturday evening.

The Irish rider collected 23,000 euro for his third place in Portugal tonight.

Jack Burns