Marien gets Burke back on track

Jonathan Burke recorded his first winner since returning from injury, as he partnered Kilbarry Marien to victory in the Kilsheelan Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Burke has endured a miserable run with various injuries and he was recording his first win since February aboard the Con O'Keeffe trained 14/1 chance.

Successful in a bumper at Tramore in June of last year, the daughter of Marienbard was second at Killarney in June, but disappointed on her most recent start at Downpatrick.

Settled behind the leaders, she dropped back to mid-division from five out. She was ridden and made good progress on the entrance to the straight, hitting the front before the second last.

She wasn't fluent over the final flight, but kept on well under pressure to hold off Delayed Eloquence by a head.

The runner-up was returned the 5/4 favourite under Shane Shortall for Joseph O'Brien, while Jazz Mine (11/1) completed the placings another two and a half lengths back in third with Ben Dalton in the saddle for John Lonergan.

O'Keeffe said afterwards: "Good ground and a positive ride suited her and it was great.

"We were disappointed with her at Downpatrick but she needs good ground and all those Marienbards need good ground.

"Everybody has their day and she got it today.

"It was fantastic to get Jonathan (Burke) and it was also nice for him to get a winner and get going again.

"Perhaps the ground may be gone for her now, but she may run in a month's time if there's good ground."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards fined A.J. McNamara, trainer, E350 for lodging a passport in respect of Clear View in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 87 and Rule 91. The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Clear View, as the animal had been vaccinated within 7 days of todays date.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes