Courage collects for the Burkes

It was a family affair with Toms Courage in the Killinan Handicap Hurdle at Thurles as Martin Burke partnered the gelding to victory for his brother John in the colours of their sister Elaine.

There were plenty in with chances turning for home in the two-mile event and Toms Courage took a narrow lead at the second last only to make an error.

He duelled it out with Danegeld going to the final flight only for that rival to get the last wrong.

Toms Courage stayed on best to record a five-length victory at odds of 11/2.

The winner had been fourth behind Coole Arcade (finished 11th today) at Fairyhouse last time.

John Burke was leading up the winner and his father Paddy said afterwards:-

"He was placed in the past and had a good run the last day. He should have won in Cork a year ago but fractured a bone and was out for eight months. Hopefully he will go on from this."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)