Jockey-trainer Liam Burke led Teuchters Glory to victory in Limerick as the 66-year-old claimed his first success under rules in over three decades and made history in the process.
Cork man Burke, father of jockey Jonathan Burke, returned to the saddle in 2021 after having two knee replacements, while continuing to train horses.
Prior to that he had not ridden publicly since taking part in a charity race at Listowel in the early noughties.
Having hinted he would go in the saddle again if he felt he could find a potential winner with one of the horses he trains, Burke was on board Teuchters Glory in the Good Luck To All Irish Runners In Cheltenham (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race finale at Limerick this afternoon.
The duo pulled away in the final two furlongs of the bumper for a decisive five-length victory on the 9/2 shot, beating two horses trained by Willie Mulllins including the favourite Special Cadeau.
Burke's last win came 35 years ago in 1988.
He becomes the oldest jockey to win under rules in Irish racing history.
Burke told Racing TV: "That was mighty.
"I lost weight and it was a mad notion I took to come back. My knees gave me trouble all along but got both replaced, although it took me ages to get back right. I ride out four or five horses every day and was 66 last Monday.
"I previously rode 38 point to point winners and 17 on the racecourse and actually lost my 7lb and 5lb claims in the past, before the numbers went back up. My last point to point winners were in 1991. "
He added: "He (Teuchters Glory) is a fair horse but has been hard to keep right. We decided to come back for a bumper as I wanted to keep him as a novice for next season.
"This is very high on my career achievements and is up there with winning the Galway Plate (as a trainer).
"Everyone thinks I'm mad, but you have to be mad to do this job! I'll probably keep going."
Teuchters Glory takes the Good Luck To All Irish Runners In Cheltenham (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race in commanding fashion, with the trainer-rider Liam Burke easing home aboard his charge to take the finale in good style 🥇 pic.twitter.com/eUKQOOlSRr
— Limerick Races (@LimerickRaces) March 12, 2023
