Johnny Burke signed off as an amateur rider in the best possible fashion when guiding Gusty Rocky to justify 9/4 favouritism in the bumper at Clonmel.

Burke signaled his intention to turn professional yesterday, and was recording his 18th winner here under rules.

The Pat Flynn-trained gelding headed Oscar’swan inside the final furlong and kept on well to beat that rival by a length and a quarter. Ballintotty Boy was a further five and a half lengths back in third.

Burke said, “It’s great to go out on a winner and he quickened well. I always wanted to do it (turn pro) and it was only a matter of when. I’ve two years’ experience now and Punchestown has been a spring board for me and has helped.”

Flynn said, “I had my 700th winner last week and I’m heading for the 1,000! The Flynn’s (owners) and myself go back a long way with Aries Girl and a few more and it’s great that they are here today.

“This horse had trouble eating but is back on his grub now. He wants goodish ground and that’s as sticky as he wants it.”

(TW & AM)