Lord Ben approaches the last in Listowel© Photo Healy Racing
Lord Ben gave Johnny Burke a double at Listowel today as he made all in the two and a half mile Kerry Group handicap chase.
It was another winner for Burke and Henry de Bromhead since news broke that he would become first jockey to the owners Ann and Alan Potts who have most of their horses with de Bromhead.
The gelding opened up the throttle after jumping the second last and was clear arriving at the final fence. Once that was negotiated the only matter to be resolved was the winning margin which was recorded at seven and a half lengths.
The 4/1 shot beat 7/2 favourite Back Off Mate into second. Pat Garrett showed welcome signs of a return to form as he took third at 14/1. He had been pulled up in his previous two races.
Henry de Bromhead said: “That’s three from three for Jonathan since the announcement. He ran an absolute cracker in the Galway Plate, but he just didn’t get home.
“He loves this place. Two and a half miles is ideal for him. He’s improving all the time and I might consider a conditions race here on Friday for him.”
Burke's double at Listowel was initiated by The Plan Man in race three.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
