Rebel mare keeps smile on Burke's face

Following on from his success with Coolbane Boy at Thurles on Sunday, Liam Burke kept up the momentum when winning the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Gowran. Rebel Early did the needful under Barry Browne.

It’s been a productive Christmas into New Year spell for Burke, as the stable’s Sumos Novios triumphed in the Grade B Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase at the Limerick festival.

For much of the way Eleazar Des Neiges looked like he might get this done from the front, but the only mare in the line-up, Rebel Early, eventually proved to be too determined a foe.

She launched a determined bid from the back of the last which took her to a two and a half length success. Russian Bill ended up six and a half lengths back in third.

Browne has also been at the number one frequently in recent times and he reflected: “It’s down to Oliver (McKiernan, trainer) as I struggled big time when I came back after injury.

“Oliver kept backing me up — he’s a huge supporter of mine.

“This race gives the likes of myself an opportunity. There are plenty of other lads there well able to ride as well so it’s great.”

Four years on from his Thyestes win with My Murphy, Burke said: “I was a bit disappointed with her the last day in Punchestown. She turned in with a chance but she just seemed to hit a flat spot. Rachael (Blackmore) thought it was the ground that day.

“I couldn’t find anything wrong with her and she seemed to be in good order since.

“He’d never sat on her before but he gave her a good drive. I thought she was beat between the last two but she found plenty when he got stuck into her.

“She’s not over big so is suited by a light weight and will stay further.”

(AM & EM)