Hannigan takes bronze in Scotland

TIPPERARY rider David Hannigan won individual bronze in the Young Rider European Championships at Blair Castle, Scotland, yesterday and, in the process, helped the Irish team to the silver medal.

It was a family affair, as his older brother Peter placed fifth with First Mate, while fellow team members Melanie Young (Riverstown Express) and Alex Donohoe (Ardfry Baringa) finished in 18th and 36th place, respectively, with the aggregate team score good enough to put them ahead of Germany and behind gold medallists Britain.

David Hannigan’s bronze came after he added just 2.8 time penalties on Saturday’s cross-country with the Red Baron to move up to fourth place, but the withdrawal of overnight leader, Esteban Nedelec, from France elevated Hannigan to third going into yesterday’s show jumping phase. While the 18-year-old from Fethard had a fence in hand over his fourth-place rival, he finished in style with a clear for a total of 49.5 penalties.