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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Cerca Trova ploughs through the soft ground

Sun 10th Aug 2014, 17:36

Cerca Trova and Johnny Burke at DownpatrickCerca Trova and Johnny Burke at Downpatrick
© Photo Healy Racing

Cerca Trova stayed on well to win the extended two mile two handicap hurdle in the hands of Johnny Burke for trainer Jim Dreaper.

The eight-year-old mare raced in rear before improving into fourth at the second last. Once ridden at the last she forged on up the hill to prevail by three parts of a length at 6/1. She was 11/1 in the morning, but there five non runners due to the change in going. In addition, the reserve wasn’t declared. Mosman Park rallied to take second at 8/1 while Glen Orchy Lad dropped to third close home at 8/1. He was beaten four and a quarter lengths by the winner. Only 10 of the original 15 runners went to post after a deluge of rain in the north changed the going to soft after the first rain.

Jockey Johnny Burke said: "She was always finding plenty. She'll have no bother in chases."

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.