Apprentice Harry Burns in flying form as he manages life with Crohn's disease

Thursday: Salisbury

Harry Burns made sacrifices to ensure Crohn's disease would not prevent a second crack at being a jockey, and the apprentice continues to reap the rewards with success on Another Romance ensuring he remains one of the hottest jockeys in Britain.

His latest victory was his sixth from his last ten rides, and his claim is now reduced to 3lb after reaching the 50-winner mark on the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained filly in the 6f handicap.

A total of 16 winners came in his initial five-year stint as an apprentice before his illness forced him out of the saddle in 2018.

Following some travelling after his recovery, Burns made a comeback in 2021 and pointed to the benefits of lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol. He enjoyed an excellent season last year with Joseph Parr, and his success has continued since teaming up with the Crisfords at the start of this campaign.

Burns said of Crohn's disease, a lifelong condition that impacts the digestive system: "It's more about managing it. I quit smoking and don't drink so much anymore and keep a balanced diet – watching the weight is the main thing.

Another Romance: pulled well clear in the 6f handicapCredit: Edward Whitaker

"I'm enjoying things at the moment. It's all about grafting and the penny's dropped for me now. I'm happy to get to 3lb [claim] now and it's great to have done it for the boss."

Ed Crisford repaid the compliment and said: "I'm really pleased, we've made use of his 5lb in the last few weeks. It's great for Harry, he's riding with confidence and he's a big part of the team."

Sierra sparkles

The Group 3 Dick Poole Stakes, sponsored by Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, went to the unexposed Juliet Sierra, who earned quotes of 12-1 for the Cheveley Park and 14-1 for the Fillies' Mile with Betfair Sportsbook.

The exciting Juddmonte filly moved powerfully into the race under Rob Hornby and kept on decisively to edge ahead of the fast-finishing All The Time.

Juliet Sierra (nearside): won the Dick Poole StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Hornby, who suggested the filly may improve when stepped up in distance, said: "I'm delighted. The cross noseband has really worked well for her.

"She was still very green in front and the eventual second was quite away from me so she couldn't see her. She's exciting, she's improved and she seems to be thriving off her racing. We're only just working her out."

Change of luck

Roger Varian and the Highclere Syndicate were on the unfortunate end of having 1-16 shot Broadspear lose earlier in the week but experienced a change of fortune when Eximious broke her maiden in impressive fashion.

Back to form

Apprentice Oliver Searle rode his first winner since having a hip operation on Crystal Casque in the mile apprentice handicap. Searle missed all of last season and was recording a first victory since August 2020.

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