Burke turns professional Jonathan Burke is to turn professional following his last scheduled ride as an amateur jockey at Clonmel tomorrow and is looking to join the paid ranks on the next opportunity, at Ballinrobe on May 27. The 18 year old son of trainer Liam Burke has caught the attention of numerous trainers in recent months and partnered a high profile winner on the Willie Mullins trained Very Much So in the Goffs Land Rover Bumper at the Punchestown festival last month. The jockey says “I've gained plenty experience as an amateur in the past two or three years and have ridden for a range of different trainers who I hope will continue to support me.” “I wake up most mornings at 9st 5lbs or 6lbs so will have no trouble claiming off the bottom weight. Dad has been really supportive of the move and I'll continue to ride out for Willie Mullins and Noel Meade. “I get my license after Clonmel tomorrow and Gary Cribin, who has been working hard looking after me since my second or third winner, will be my agent.” Burke, who goes by the name Jonathan as opposed to others variations of that name, has also commentated on point-to-points in the past and hopes, when the chance arises, to continue behind the microphone. He says “I started messing around at home doing commentaries and when I was 14 or 15 I started doing pony races before commentating on point-to-points two years ago. I haven't done many recently as I have been concentrating on riding but hopefully I might be able to do an odd one at some point in the future.” By Thomas Weekes
