Cian O’Connor finished best of the Irish in the individual show jumping competition at the Tokyo Olympic Games with the Irish Sport Horse Kilkenny (Cardento x Guidam), taking seventh place overall.

Cian and Kilkenny, who is owned by Sue Magnier from Coolmore Stud, jumped clear in the individual qualifier last Tuesday to get through to the final on Wednesday where the combination jumped another fantastic clear, however they picked up a single time fault when just over the time allowed ruling them out of the jump-off.

O’Connor and the Ita Brennan-bred Kilkenny were one of just eight combinations not to knock a fence in the competition.

Unfortunately, Kilkenny sustained a nose-bleed towards the end of their round. This was confirmed by the on-site veterinary team who immediately checked the horse straight after the competition. Kilkenny was then taken to the on-site veterinary clinic.

Speaking afterwards O’Connor said: “I’ve decided not to put Kilkenny forward for the team competition as his well-being comes first and I’ve no doubt we will have much success together in the future.

“To finish seventh together in an Olympic Games is not so bad and we will be back to fight another day.”

Vet check

Irish team vet Marcus Swail gave a positive update on Kilkenny following the competition and said,

“Kilkenny recovered quickly, and all vitals were normal. He was subject to further examination at the on-site veterinary clinic and the horse is now comfortable and back in his stable.”

Wexford’s Bertram Allen finished 15th in the individual final with the Irish Sport Horse Pacino Amiro after picking up eight faults, while Offaly’s Darragh Kenny finished on the same score with VDL Cartello to place 17th.

Britain’s Ben Maher and Explosion W took the gold medal after a six-horse jump-off.

Speaking after his win, Ben said: “It doesn’t seem real. I think it will sink in tonight or tomorrow when I wake up. It’s been a lot of pressure the last couple of weeks.

“I may be biased but I believe I am on the best horse, he’s incredible and I’m very fortunate to be able to ride him.”

Sweden’s Peder Fredricson and H&M All In took silver while the bronze went to The Netherlands’ Maikel van der Vleuten with Beauville Z.