Liam Burke already to looking forward to next ride – after comeback aged 64

Mark Nunan
July 11, 2021 5:19 pm

Trainer dusted off his riding boots at Sligo on Sunday.

Liam Burke is already looking forward to his next ride, after returning to the saddle at Sligo at the age of 64.

Burke – a successful trainer, and father of top jockey Jonathan Burke – was riding for the first time in 33 years.

Partnering the five-year-old Shumard – whom he part-owns and trains – in the Racing Again August 4th INH Flat Race, the 40-1 combination were unable to trouble the principals but nevertheless were far from disgraced in finishing sixth.

Burke, who was able to claim 7lb, said: “I enjoyed that. He ran a nice race, but I wasn’t fit enough!

“I’ll be better for the run and I’m looking forward to my next ride already!”

Not a bad effort! 33 years since his last ride, 64-year-old Liam Burke finishes sixth on his return to the saddle aboard Shumard in the bumper at @SligoRaces 👏 pic.twitter.com/SxGSq9ZJ9r

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 11, 2021

At the business end, the Ross O’Sullivan-trained State Of Fame (5-1) came out on top in the hands Tom Harney, beating Call Me Jim by four and a quarter lengths. Odds-on favourite Aslukwoodhavit had to settle for third under Patrick Mullins.

O’Sullivan said: “It’s young Tom’s first track winner. He’s from near me in Punchestown and he’s ridden three point-to-point winners.

“The dam of this one, Nirphania, had lots of potential as a racehorse but has been a bit unlucky as a broodmare, so it’s lovely to get a winner out of her.

“This horse had a good first run (fourth at Thurles) and then lost his way a little bit, maybe through a little bit of weakness, through the winter.

“In the last couple of weeks he has strengthened up really well. We were a bit worried about all the rain but he handled the ground well.

“He’ll probably get three miles over hurdles.”

He added: “I love coming to Sligo and it’s a lucky track for me.”