Blackie another for Burke & De Bromhead

Fresh from their win with Loosen My Load at Galway yesterday Jonathan Burke and Henry De Bromhead successfully teamed up again at Clonmel this evening as they took the New Inn Opportunity Maiden Hurdle with Saltmills Blackie (first time cheekpieces).

The six-year-old son of Presenting won a point-to-point at Cregg in October of 2012 and ran just twice in 2013 at Killarney and Wexford.

He made his returned to action at Tramore last month and ran well there to take third behind Magical Moon before finishing fourth to Talk The Lingo on his next outing at Roscommon.

Available at 7/2 this morning (before Give Her Bach was taken out) he opened on-course at just 13/8 before going off the clear 6/4 favourite.

Prominent throughout he was pushed along to challenge as they entered the straight. He hit the front before the last and went on from there to score by five lengths. Dun Scaith who attempted to make all, had to settle for second under Brian Hayes for Tom Hogan at 7/2, while Boherna Lady (16/1) was a further two and a half lengths back in third.

Henry De Bromhead said afterwards: "I'm delighted for Mick (owner Mick Walsh) as he has been very patient.

"He sent me him as a four-year-old looking to sell him after he won a point-to-point. He did manage to win a point-to-point but he has had to be very patient with him since.

"He had a splint last year and it caused wicked trouble. He just needed a bit luck to win a race and he will go straight chasing now. Summer staying chases should be ideal for him. He got a lovely ride from Johnny."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes