Extraordinary performance from Ordinary Man

Shay Barry partnered his 18th winner of the season at Tramore today when getting Ordinary Man out of of tricky position in-running, to win the Waterford & Tramore Directors Chase.

Ordinary Man raced behind the leaders in the five runner contest, which lost Sorceror at an early fence, and was a close third jumping the third last fence.

However, Barry's mount was shuffled back to last of the four runners coming down the hill and had plenty on his plate at the second last. To Ordinary Man's credit, the gelding stuck to his task well and eventually stayed on strongly on the run-in to catch Galant Ferns (which was a little slow at the final fence) on the line.

Afterwards Jonathan Burke, 16 year old son of winning trainer Liam Burke (at Dromahane point to point) and already a capable point to point commentator and bumper rider, said “Ordinary Man disappointed us the last day and didn't pick up but he battled well today.

“He likes tight tracks ant that's his second win around here. He'll be kept on the go for the summer now.”

Burke Snr subsequently reported by phone “Ordinary Man will now go for the Grade 1 3m1f champion Novice Chase at Punchestown next.