I HELPED create a small piece of Irish racing history at Thurles on Sunday, when partnering Killahara Castle to become the first horse to win in this country at odds of 200/1.

Not only did the mare defy the odds compilers, she did so in a highly competitive listed contest.

My father used to keep a few breakers at home, so I started riding at an early age. In my primary school days, I would back the young horses – lying across them before sitting on them. Later, in secondary school, I moved on to riding in point-to-points, having my first ride at the age of 16.

Donal Hayes was the man to start me off in that discipline, giving me my first mount. After I finished my education I went to work full-time for Edward O’Grady who employed me as stable amateur.

I have plenty to thank Mr O’Grady for as he got me going on the track, providing me with my initial winner, as well as successes in bumpers and hunter chases. I spent seven seasons as an amateur, before deciding to join the professional ranks in 2010.

Since making the switch I have found that I now get more opportunities on the track. As an amateur, I was more or less confined to riding in bumpers but now I can compete in most races on any given card. My brother John, who trains Killahara Castle, provides me with plenty of opportunities, while Tim Doyle has also been a loyal supporter. Prior to last weekend, my biggest success had been on Aurora Bell at Fairyhouse on Irish Grand National day. I also rode the high-class chaser Mallowney to win his maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe.

I am based at home with John nowadays, although I ride work for Tim [Doyle] whenever he needs me and am available to anyone who wants me to school or ride work. The more contacts one can make in this sport the better your chances of getting further opportunities, so I am never going to turn down the chance to work horses.

CONFIDENT

Although Killahara Castle was sent off a 200/1 shot on Sunday, her win wasn’t a complete shock to us. To be honest, we had been reasonably confident she could pick up some blacktype, although it was asking a lot to envisage her coming home in front.

We had her as a four-year-old but she was wicked free and real hard to handle. We knew the raw ability was there but it seemed unlikely that she would ever settle well enough in her races.

I think it was actually just a case of running her and allowing her to gradually learn for herself. She began to show signs of ability when finishing second twice at Wexford earlier in the campaign but then got hurt at Tipperary in April so we had to give her a break.

Since returning to action she had been getting better, finishing fifth, fourth and third on her most recent outings. Everything just worked out perfectly for the mare on Sunday, with the small field and fast pace being exactly what she needed. Now that she has got blacktype the job is done but I see no reason why she can’t go on to further success.

Killahara Castle’s listed win was special for a number of reasons; not only was it my biggest success in the saddle to date, it was also for my brother John [Burke], at our local Thurles track. All our family, friends and neighbours were there and it felt like a Cheltenham win for us! We have a few nice young horses to look forward to at home and having tasted big race success it would be great to add to it in the coming year. Like An Open Book has been a star for us all year and one we are looking forward to over Christmas. Hopefully she can play her part and ensure that our small stable continue to make headlines.

Martin Burke was in conversation with John O’Riordan