Busy Burke believes Sole Pretender can provide local Lee with Galway Hurdle win

Jonathan Burke gives credence to the old saying 'give a busy man a job and he’ll get it done' with the UK-based jockey having ridden two winners in his homeland throughout the past ten days, including last Friday’s €100,000 Midlands National at Kilbeggan aboard Na Trachtalai Abu.

The Cork native’s latest trip back home to Ireland will see him put the finishing touches on Norman Lee’s Guinness Galway Hurdle hope Sole Pretender, who will have his final away day at the Curragh schooling grounds on Tuesday ahead of a tilt at the €300,000 summer highlight.

Burke has already partnered Sole Pretender to his greatest day on a racecourse when the pair landed a €50,000 handicap hurdle at Ballinrobe over a month ago, and the rider believes an even bigger payday could await at Ballybrit.

Sole Pretender: is a general 10-1 shot to win the Guinness Galway HurdleCredit: Patrick McCann

He said: "Jack Kennedy's misfortune has been my fortune as I've got the leg up now that Jack's out injured, but I was very impressed with Sole Pretender at Ballinrobe.

"He's got tactical speed, jumps very slick and travels strongly. He stays as well, having won over two and a half miles before, so he has to have a big chance although he's off a tough enough mark [147] now."

Burke added on Sole Pretender, a general 10-1 shot for the race: "He's going to have to bring his A-game to Galway, but I wouldn't swap him for anything."

For Lee, who trains a half an hour from Ballybrit in Gort, Sole Pretender represents the best horse he's handled. While shouldering near top weight won’t be easy, it’s the threat of rain that worries the trainer more than anything.

He said: "I’m happy with the horse. He’s improved all summer and he’ll have to carry a big weight, but I’m not as worried about that as I would be about soft ground. If there’s any soft in the going, he won’t run, but having looked at the forecast, we should be fine.

"It’s great to have Johnny on our side and the race should suit. He travels well and has tactical speed – I wouldn’t like to be coming from off the pace in a Galway Hurdle. We’re looking forward to him and hopefully he has a big chance."

Sole Pretender: pictured with Jack Kennedy after a hurdle victoryCredit: Patrick McCann

Sole Pretender is Burke’s only formal engagement at the festival, but the rider could be aboard Kilbeggan winner Na Trachtalai Abu in the Galway Blazers – and is also hopeful of picking up more rides throughout the week.

Burke explained: "I will have been based in England two years on August 20 – the time has flown by. I have a very good agent in Gary Cribbin, who spotted the ride for me at Kilbeggan last Friday and thankfully it paid off. Na Trachtalai Abu might go to the Blazers now as well.

"I always said I'd try and keep my toe in Ireland if I could and we're managing it well at the moment. Things are quiet enough in England during the summer if you're not riding for a summer trainer, so whenever I can get a ride I come home.

"Thankfully the last few weeks have been fruitful. At the moment Sole Pretender is all I'm looking forward to at Galway, but I'm hopeful of picking up a few more rides throughout the week."

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