Burke brothers on the mark with Thousand Tears

After a promising first run of the year six days ago, Thousand Tears (9/2, from 7s this morning) came forward from that to take the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

Martin Burke sent his mount past long-time leader Whatucallher (9/1) on the run to the last and the 6-year-old stayed on well to account for that one by a length and three quarters, with Arthur’s Baby (10/1), who came from well back in the field, another head away in third.

Trained by the winning rider’s brother John, near Holycross, this was a second success for the son of Montjeu stallion Recital after his maiden win at Kilbeggan last year.

Martin Burke remarked: “He done that well. He travelled the whole way for me and I was just afraid that I’d get to the front too soon.

“He’d a good run in Cork last Friday and I think he improved again after that.

“The ground was probably just alright for him. He’d prefer it a bit quicker. They have done a good job watering it.

“He’ll be a nice horse when he goes over fences. We’ll see how far he goes over hurdles and switch him then.”

Quotes from Alan Magee