Burke off the mark as a professional

Seven pounds claimer Martin Burke partnered his first winner as a professional when steering Quarton to win the Racing Again On Saturday 15th January Maiden Hurdle at Naas today.

Burke raced prominently on the Tim Doyle trained winner, eventually getting to the front from the final flight, eventually staying on to defeat Driveheron

Afterwards Doyle stated “we thought a bit of him on the Flat but he failed to deliver. However he ran a smashing race on his hurdle debut at Limerick the other day and came on from the run well. We’ll step him up in class now and see how he gets on.”

Jockey Burke was partnering his first winner as a pro' but the rider has partnered five previous winners (two bumpers and three chases) as an amateur, each for trainer Edward O'Grady.

Tom Weekes