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Across card double for de Bromhead

Starkie winning at CorkStarkie winning at Cork
© Photo Healy Racing

Starkie fended off Strategic bid at the end of the two mile maiden hurdle at Cork to give Henry de Bromhead and Bryan Cooper a winner at 11/2.

The five-year-old gelding had run third on his seasonal comeback at Punchestown over two and a half miles a month ago, and stepped up on that form today.

Cooper sent him into the lead from flagfall and at the second last it looked like Strategic Bid (12/1) and John Cullen were going to get on terms. However, the pursuer clouted that flight which halted his momentum.

A good jump at the last secured victory for Starkie as Strategic Bid closed to within half a length at the finish without looking like getting there.

Winning jockey Bryan Cooper commented: “The last two jumps won it for him. He’s a real chaser in the making.”

Third-placed money went to 25/1 outsider Overbury Prince The uneasy 13/8 favourite Shamar who drifted out from 11/10, came in fourth beaten seven lengths in total.

This gave successful trainer Henry de Bromhead a quick-fire across the card double after Too Scoops won the Listed novice hurdle at Punchestown at 6/1.

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)

1st
11/2
Tote €7.00 €1.50
2nd
0.5L
12/1
€2.50
3rd
4L
25/1
€5.60
4th
2.5L
13/8Fav
About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.