Brilliant Burke's dreams now becoming a reality
Showjumper Jessica Burke recorded the first big win of her career. (stock photo)
Showjumpers Jessica Burke and Alexander Butler posted a double of runner-up finishes in 3-Star Grand Prix classes at Valencia in Spain and Villamoura in Portugal yesterday.
Burke recorded the first big win of her career when topping the 2-Star Grand Prix at Opglabbeek in Belgium last month. A teacher at Calasanctius College in Oranmore, Galway for the previous six years, she opted for a career-break 12 months ago to follow her dream of making it as an international rider.
And despite few competitive opportunities due to the pandemic in 2020, the 28-year-old is proving well up to the task partnering her top horse Express Trend. On Saturday at Valencia the pair finished second in the 1.40m feature class and in yesterday's 1.50m Grand Prix they produced one of only two double-clear rounds when lining up behind Israel's Robin Muhr and Vino Z.
Also on form at the Spanish fixture was Sligo's Richard Howley who posted a double of wins on Friday, topping the 1.45m with the stallion El Wee Widge and the 1.40m with Hobella.
In the Villamoura Grand Prix there were only three double-clear performances and Meath rider Butler snatched second spot with the Irish-bred Pico who produced some spectacular jumping.
Pole position went to Brazil's Eduardo de Menezes with Chaganus while British-based Tipperary man, Shane Breen, finished fifth with Compelling Z.
Mikey Pender and HHS Fast Forward won Thursday's 1.45m Two Phase in which Jack Ryan was fourth with Essenar High Hopes.
