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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

A first winner for Harney & a first ride in over three decades for Burke

Sun 11th Jul 2021, 18:06

State Of Fame winning under Tom HarneyState Of Fame winning under Tom Harney
© Photo Healy Racing

State Of Fame brought up plenty of bets in the concluding bumper at Sligo.

He was available at 100/1 this morning before Mr Saxobeat and Quiet Escape were ruled out. He then opened at 18/1 and tumbled to 5/1 on the off.

Aslukwoodhaveit, the 4/9 favourite, attempted to make all but couldn't keep up the gallop as he dropped to third.

State Of Fame stayed on best to post a four and a quarter length success from Call Me Jim (16/1).

Trainer Ross O'Sullivan said: “It’s young Tom Harney’s first track winner. He’s from near me in Punchestown and he’s ridden three point-to-point winners.

“The dam of this one, Nirphania, had lots of potential as a racehorse but has been a bit unlucky as a broodmare, so it’s lovely to get a winner out of her.

“This horse had a good first run (fourth at Thurles) and then lost his way a little bit, maybe through a little bit of weakness, through the winter.

“In the last couple of weeks he has strengthened up really well. We were a bit worried about all the rain but he handled the ground well.

“He’ll probably get three miles over hurdles.

“I love coming to Sligo and it’s a lucky track for me.”

Trainer Liam Burke returned to the saddle on board his own Shumard This was the 64-year-old's first ride in over 33 years. The father of current National Hunt jockey Jonathan Burke came in sixth.

He said: “I enjoyed that. He ran a nice race but I wasn’t fit enough! I’ll be better for the run and I’m looking forward to my next ride already!”

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan