PROMISING show jumper George Whitaker helped Britain secure bronze at the Tretorn Young Rider European Championships in Comporta, Portugal.

The rising 19-year-old star from Huddersfield, who is on the British Equestrian Federation’s UK Sport-funded World Class Development Programme, was making his debut at Young Rider level.

George – brother of William and James and son of Ian – rode Sally McSharry’s 11-year-old chestnut mare Tubana in the team competition.

“I’m really happy with my performance at that level,” said George. “The course was difficult with a series of tricky jumps that could easily catch you out.

“Tubana jumped really well, though, and despite three days travelling, as well as a trip to Germany and Hickstead recently, she coped well with the course.”

Funded by UK Sport, the Development Programme works with talented riders to maximise their potential in the hope of delivering success.

The programme underpins World Class Performance and, together with the Equine Pathway, they comprise the Equestrian World Class Programme.

It incorporates the three Olympic sports of dressage, eventing, showjumping and the Paralympic sport of para-equestrian dressage.

The Programme has been funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, through Exchequer and National Lottery funds, via the UK Sport agency since 1998.