Porto Calero scores for Burke

Porto Calero owned by Joe Burke, representative for Cashman's Bookmakers, hacked up in the opening race of the New Year, the David Flynn Construction Novice Handicap Hurdle, at Tramore at odds of 20/1.

The Darley bred daughter of Tobougg tracked the leaders before moving through to lead at the second last, staying on well for an easy six lengths win over Root Cause

Winning Fermoy based trainer Liam O'Brien was at Fairyhouse, Burke was at Cheltenham but winning rider Pierce Gallagher was on hand to report "Porto Calero travelled well and quickened well."

He added "she had been second at Fairyhouse this time last year and had the form to win."