Fergal O’Brien appoints Johnny Burke as new stable jockey

Burke and O’Brien’s win in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle on Crambo in December saw them joining forces. Burke is now set to lead the team of riders at Ravenswell Farm in Cheltenham as the new season kicks off, starting at Uttoxeter on Saturday.

According to O’Brien, Burke has been a frequent presence at the farm since the autumn, and now he is set to take up the role of leading the team into the new season. Together with a strong team of jockeys including Connor Brace, Liam Harrison, Jack Hogan, Daire Davis, and amateur Tom Broughton, O’Brien felt the need for a senior jockey with more experience to support and guide the others- a role they believe Burke is well-suited for.