Kara Loca and Jonathan Burke pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Kara Loca made all as she ran out a game winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle under Jonathan Burke for Mick Winters and owner Carl Beame.
A good eight length winner on her debut in a point-to-point at Kildorrery in February the daughter of Kayf Tara disappointingly pulled up on her next start in the Gain Mares Final.
Having her first start on the racecourse today she was sent off at 14/1 and went straight to the front.
She had all bar one of her rivals off the bridle from two out and she was ridden on the approach to the last, keeping on well on the run-in to see off the challenge of Princess Lir by a length and a half.
The runner-up ran a fine race under Andrew Lynch for Adrian Murray and she was returned at 25/1. Grangeclare Rosa (9/4) was a further seventeen lengths back in third under Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins while the 2/1 favourite (from 3's) Ma Garrett was a disappointing fifth under David Mullins for John Nicholson.
Jonathan Burke said afterwards: "Mick was very happy with her. He said pop her out in front. He said she jumps well and stays well and he was bang on.
"She was very good and very forward for her first day on the track.
"She disappointed the second day but they were very impressed with her the first day. That was on heavy ground too so I was pretty confident coming here.
"It's a pleasure to be riding for Mick. His horses are so forward and straight. We have teamed up well this season."
STEWARDS REPORT
B.J. Geraghty, rider of Blazing West trained by W.J.Austin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount finished tired.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Blazing West, trained by W.J.Austin, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
P. Townend, rider of Quelle Belle Vie (FR) trained by P.G. Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran too keen.
John W. Nicholson, trainer of Ma Garrett, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge scoped dirty post race.
