More joy for Burke and his followers

Many a good punter has identified a claimer to follow and made hay whilst the rider drew the valuable allowance. Johnny Burke, obviously great value for his seven pounds, is in a rich vein right now and he struck again on 12/1 chance Rathpatrick for Eoin Griffin in the Kepak Flat Race at Roscommon.

The Oscar gelding saw the two and a half miles out well and in the end he crossed the line one and a quarter lengths to the good from the favourite Bosman Rule

Griffin said: "He had a nice run the first day on ground that was probably a touch quick for him.

"He was kind of on his head from the word go the last day but he ran well only beaten ten lengths.

"I was confident enough coming here today but I thought on paper it was a decent enough bumper and I'd have been happy if he'd been placed.

"He's done it well though and I think he'll be a nice horse.

"All of his family have taken time. Rua Lass (dam) who we have fond memories of (first winner as a public trainer) was the one that got me going and I could do with something like her at the moment to be honest about it.

"I think this fellow could be a nice hurdler next year. He'll probably be put away as he wouldn't want the ground getting any drier." (DM & EM)