Trainer Jessica Harrington followed up yesterday’s double at Leopardstown with a third winner at the meeting this weekend when her Burn And Turn landed the opening Frank Conroy Memorial Maiden Hurdle.
Ridden by Robbie Power, the daughter of Flemensfirth improved to lead at the final flight before staying on well to defeat Double Double by two and three parts of a length.
Double Double was subsequently disqualified as his rider Andrew McNamara (who subsequently received a five day suspension and forfeited his riding fee) failed to weigh in.
"I got distracted talking to someone and next thing I was in the jockey's room. It's a mistake on my part and something that shouldn't have happened," explained McNamara.
Following the win, Harrington said “I’m delighted with that - Burn And Turn absolutely hated the ground and Robert said it was her ability that got her through.
“She jumped brilliant and should be much better in the spring. Her size suggests that anything she does this year is a bonus as she is a great big mare.
"If the ground is good she will come back for the Grade 1 Deloitte Novice Hurdle here on February 12 but I don’t know about Cheltenham but she could go to Aintree - the ground is the key."
Regarding yesterday’s big race winner Citizenship, Harrington added “He is in great form today, and we’ll see what the handicapper does now. He’s in the Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury but the weights need to come up for him - Paul Nicholls has control of the race as he has top weight.”
(TW & AM)
