Grade 2 win for 'sub' Burke with Giggy's Jade

Champion Trainer Willie Mullins and leading owner Gigginstown House Stud (Michael O'Leary) teamed up for a double at Leopardstown today as their Apple's Jade under 'super-sub' Jonathan Burke, maintained her two-race unbeaten record in the Grade 2 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle.

Burke was a late call-up for the ride as declared rider Paul Townend was stood down following his first race fall from Ball D'Arc and made the most of the opportunity, forcing the French bred daughter of Saddler Maker to the front near the line for a head win over Jer's Girl

Apple's Jade only previous run was when winning at Vichy in France last May and following todays's success, Burke stated “she was fairly keen and just took a bit of time to pick up but when she had something to aim at in the straight she was very tough and brave.

“She really stuck her neck out, and they are two tough fillies (Apple's Jade and Jer's Girl)."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee