Johnny Burke on board Maya Quest in Clonmel© Photo Healy Racing
Johnny Burke has had some week since turning professional – winning the Connacht National on Golden Kite and now guiding home 16/1 chance Maya Quest at Clonmel.
The nine-year-old gelding trained by Michael Fitzsimons ran in Division 2 of the two and a half mile handicap hurdle.
Burke had him always to the fore in fourth before improving into second at the third last. Rounding the home turn, Maya Quest was sent into a clear lead and he was kept up to his work in jumping the final two flights as he hit the line three and three quarter lengths to the good.
Trim, Co Meath based-trainer Michael Fitzsimons said: “He won at bumper at Roscommon for me around three years ago and that was the last winner I had. He has had his problems since and he is the only one I have in training at the moment.
"He is owned by Richard Barrett (also bred him) from Ballina who has been a very loyal owner.
“Things hadn't been going well for us and that is a great boost. We were expecting him to run well as he is not a bad horse and the good ground here suited him. Jonathan gave him a great ride and he did everything that I asked him to do.” Rock On Brian (20/1) came in second, a head in front of Pleased As Punch (8/1) who in turn beat Mon Carlos (7/1) a length and three parts into fourth. Mon Carlos was a market mover during the day from 10/1 to 5/1. The 9/2 favourite Mossy Island finished back in seventh.
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
