"Thunder Run Triumphs at York: Burke's Rising Star Shines in Clipper Handicap Victory, Sealing a Sponsor's Delight and Eyeing Future Glory at Champions Day."
Thunder Run dominated the GBP 150,000 Clipper Handicap at York from start to finish.
Owned by the race sponsor, Steve Parkin, the three-year-old trained by Karl Burke finished second in his debut at Wetherby before securing consecutive victories in July at Thirsk and Hamilton.
He managed only a third-place finish as the odds-on favorite in his handicap debut at the Summer Cup in Thirsk earlier this month. However, he rewarded his loyal supporters with a stronger performance on the Knavesmire, overcoming all competitors at 6-1 under David Egan, and clinching victory by half a length from Mirsky.
Burke, who also trained the third-place finisher Holloway Boy, expressed his relief: "I'm just happy to secure a win. While our previous runners have been performing decently, it's gratifying to finally clinch a victory, particularly for Steve in the race he sponsors."
'I believe this horse has immense potential and is still quite inexperienced. Although it wasn't our initial strategy to take the lead, David mentioned that the horse got a good start and felt he wasn't going fast enough, so he decided to push ahead.'
'He mentioned that if another horse had challenged him, it likely would have cost him the race because he was running on empty in the last 100 yards. For now, a mile is the limit for him.'
Holloway Bay ran his usual competitive race, but he's currently carrying a lot of weight.
'The Balmoral, which takes place on Champions Day, will be the suitable type of race for both of them.'
