France won the featured Aga Khan Trophy at the Kerrygold Horse Show in Dublin today with a two-round total of four faults.
The win is France's first Aga Khan title in 45 years.
Ireland finished third on 20 faults despite a perfect first round clearance from Kildare rider Cian O’Connor (22) aboard Waterford Crystal.
The Ireland team of Peter Charles, Kevin Babington, Dermott Lennon and O’Connor totaled enough points to qualify for the Samsung Nations Cup final in Germany in two weeks.
1France - 4 faults
2Italy - 16 faults
3 Ireland - 20 faults
Peter Charles (Corrada) 4/4
Cian O'Connor (Waterford Crystal) 0/8
Kevin Babington (Carling King) 4/4
Dermott Lennon (Liscalgot) 4/4
4Great Britain - 24 faults
5Switzerland - 32 faults