Hoke Colburn and Maxine O'Sullivan© Photo Healy Racing
Britain's visiting team won today's Ireland V Britain Challenge Chase at Fairyhouse, run in memory of Lorna Brooke, although victory in the amateur riders' handicap went to Hoke Colburn under Irish jockey Maxine O'Sullivan.
Brooke, who passed away in April 2021, won the 2015 renewal of today's race and in her honour, four UK-based jockeys took part in today's nine-runner contest, winning the second renewal of the points-based challenge by 29-23.
In the race, Hoke Colburn (12/1) made virtually all to defeat Temptationinmilan and afterwards winning trainer Brian McMahon said “he rarely runs a bad race but for some reason he didn’t put his best foot forward in Galway — I couldn’t put my finger on it and was a bit worried coming here.
“Maxine gave him a brilliant ride and he was foot perfect all the way. They are a great syndicate (On The Green Syndicate) that own him and he is a great fun horse. There is a race in Thurles in two weeks that we may look at.”
Cheltenham festival-winner O'Sullivan added “it’s a lovely race in memory of Lorna Brooke and Peter Roe (racecourse manager) is brilliant to put it on - he puts huge effort into it. We are delighted to be a part of it and support it.
“I was second to my cousin Michael in this race last year so it’s great to go one better this year.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
