Burkes score with Athloman

Athloman Cottage was another shock 25/1 winner at Cork this afternoon when taking the mile handicap for US-based jockey Julie Burke and her brother John. Punches Pious took them along in the 47-65 event but was claimed at the two pole by Athloman Cottage.

The daughter of Alfred Nobel kept on well in the closing stages to record a three-and-a-quarter length success over 33/1 shot Cosmic Symbol 7/2 favourite New Direction was third.

The winner was breaking her duck at the 16th attempt. It was a first winner for trainer John Burke since Easter Monday last year.

"I've been based in America for the past year and returned as I'm waiting for my visa to come through,” said the winning rider.

“I've been race-riding in America for four months and have had over 40 winners. I'm based with Kellyn Gorder in Lexington, Kentucky and things are going good. I've been placed in Stakes races.

"Previously I had been in Britain with trainers Kevin O'Ryan and David O'Meara."

She added: "She (Athloman Cottage) ran well during the winter at Dundalk but had a few problems. They're sorted out now and she likes being back on soft turf ground."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)