Burns earns plaudits for Sir Alfie ride Sir Alfie (5/1jf) put his pace to good use on handicap debut in race two at the Curragh with an all-the-way success under 7lb claimer Nicola Burns. Ger Lyons' charge went forward well from stall four and soon led in this six-furlong nursery, and Burns was happy to keep him rolling along. Try as the challengers did in the final furlong, Sir Alfie kept up his gallop to come in by a length from the other 5/1 joint favourite Monte Vista with Raphello (13/2) another three-parts of a length back in third. Assistant trainer Shane Lyons said: “Fair play to Nicola, for a 7lb claimer she got her fractions right. He’s a very straightforward horse, but it’s a hard thing to do for a 7lb claimer. “He’s a very honest horse and delighted for Austin (Whelan, owner) as well. "He does love that ground. “He’s rated 85 in a 0-80, but with her 7lb claim it was a no brainer.” Sir Alfie was due to carry top weight of 10st 3lb in this nursery, but Burns' 7lb claim reduced the weight carried to 9st 10lb. This was Sir Alfie's second career win having landed his maiden at Down Royal in June. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
