Killahara Castle and Martin Burke pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Killahara Castle made history at Thurles this afternoon, as she became the first horse to win in Ireland at the odds of 200/1.
Without success in twenty previous outings, the John Burke trained six-year-old went off the outsider of the field for the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Boreen Belle Mares Novice Hurdle.
Settled in rear by Martin Burke, she made good progress into third from three out, and was ridden to the front before the last, going on from there to score comfortably by five lengths. True Self who was sent off the 8/13 favourite, finished second under Danny Mullins for his uncle Willie, while Dawn Shadow was a short head back in third.
The winning rider said afterwards: "We were just hoping for a bit of black-type and stuck her in hoping it would break up a better better than what it did but once she was in, we said we might as well run her.
"She has rakes of ability but it's all in her head if we could get it out. They went a good gallop and they just came back and she stayed galloping.
"The smaller field suited her as well as she is usually really keen but settled lovely today and everything went right.
"We have four horses for the track and 14 altogether between breakers. I'm in with John every evening and ride work for Tim Doyle. That's my biggest win and first Listed win."
The winner is owned by Elaine Burke, a sister of trainer John and rider Martin.
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards requested a report from John M.Burke, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Killahara Castle, placed first, as compared with its form. Patrick Burke, authorised representative of John M. Burke, stated that his charge is a difficult mare to train. He added that she normally wears a hood which was omitted for today's race in an attempt to allow her to settle better. He felt the fast pace at which the race was run allowed her plenty of light, and this, in his opinion, may have explained her apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Creation (FR) trained by Henry de Bromhead was slightly lame behind post race.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
