Sparky shines again

Remarkable rise for Rodford ace

Last updated: 22nd January 2011   Subscribe to RSS Feed

caroles legacy sparky may

Sparky May: Leaves favourite Carole's Legacy toiling in her wake

Related links

Also see

Profiles

Sparky May continued her relentless progress with a Grade Two victory at Ascot.

Pat Rodford's star was unbeaten in three novice hurdles this term coming into the 1942 Was A Vintage Year Mares' Hurdle and simply ran her rivals ragged under Keiran Burke.

The 7-1 chance was in complete command turning in and despite beginning to tire going to the final hurdle, found plenty on the run-in to slam even-money favourite Carole's Legacy by four lengths.

It was a further ten lengths back to Alasi in third.

Rodford said: "She must be a freak. Her mother raced in the US where she was unsuccessful, and owner Bill Muddyman sent me her (Glassy Appeal) and two other mares to breed from.

"Just occasionally you get a horse that defies all logic and here you have one. We will now go for the David Nicholson race at Cheltenham."

Rodford handed much of the credit to Burke and added: "Kieran does most of the training - all I do is feed them at night."

Sky Bet introduced the winner at 8-1 for the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

Post to your View!

Be the first to post a comment on this story

Add Comment*

Send us your views

Are you a Sky Sports subscriber?

*All fields required, your email address will be kept private