Crowley lands first training success as Burru routs rivals

Wexford based Bernard Martin Crowley since out his first winner in the training ranks as Burru stayed on strongly in the straight to rout the opposition in the concluding E. Tarrant & Sons Banteer Handicap Hurdle at Cork.

Sent off a well backed 13/2 chance (from 9/1), the six-year-old led after two out under Tiernan Power Roche, before powering clear for an impressive three-and-three-quarter length success.

Having reached the frame in four of his previous nine starts, the gelding clearly has ability, something he confirmed here with a solid display.

Winning trainer Bernard Martin Crowley said: "He has been running well all summer, had a couple of decent runs and had been knocking on the door. He had a good run the last day in Galway when Rachael Blackmore rode him and 2m4f on good ground around here, was made for him.

"I initially thought he was a certainty for a point-to-point but was beating himself as he didn't settle and it is only now he is starting to click and he jumped really well for Tiernan. He won't run on winter ground so that's it for him now and he isn't clipped."

He added: "I've had nine point to point winners and that's my first track winner. I am based in Kilmeadan. I have 12 in and do pre-training but only have two or three for the track. I did a bit of point-to-point riding but wasn't very good although rode a winner one day in Limerick.

"My father is in hospital so this win is for him."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.