Burns guides Sporting to another Dundalk success

The Now Racing Every Wednesday At Dundalk Handicap went the way of Sporting Hero and Nicola Burns, with the pair registering a second success at the all-weather venue this month.

Third when last seen over five furlongs here on November 13th, the Denis Hogan-trained four-year-old was sent off a 9/2 chance (touched 8s early) back up to six furlongs this evening.

Tracking the leaders on the inner, the 68-rated four-year-old made progress from early in the straight and was ridden to tackle the front-running Never Shout Never (4/1f) with over a furlong to go.

Getting on top inside the final 150 yards, the bay victor went on to prevail by half-a-length, with the aforementioned market leader having to settle for second under Jamie Powell for Stephen Thorne.

There was a two and a quarter length gap back to James Henry in third, with this one returned at 11/2.

"He ran over the five and he (Hogan) definitely thought it was a bit sharp for him, so I was happy with the six (furlongs)," Burns, who was registering a fourth career success, remarked.

"He was well able to kick on when he needed to - he was travelling all the way with me, so I was always happy where I was.

"He is (going the right way) and hopefully they can get a few more out of him. He's definitely one to look forward to."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham