Belle West wins under Johnny Burke© Photo Healy Racing
The father and son team of Liam and Johnny Burke teamed up to take the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Handicap Hurdle with Belle West at Sligo.
The daughter of Westerner was supported on track from 9/1 into 6/1, and led approaching the straight in this two-mile event.
She asserted before the final flight, and kept on well to beat Roney by five lengths.
Liam Burke said, “I have been fierce disappointed with her. The only other day she got that ground was in Thurles. To ride her at home she is very shouldery but she obviously wants it.
“We took a chance coming here as I thought it was a bit short for her but it’s worked out. She ran well last time in Wexford but the ground was better today.
“She was covered twice but didn’t get in foal. She’s owned by Jerry O’Connell whose brother Danny was a trainer.”
