In form seven-pound claimer Ben Dalton struck on board Sorted for Conor O’Dwyer in the two mile handicap hurdle at Punchestown when nursing Sorted home.
The young jockey rode four winners at Limerick’s Christmas festival and was seen to good effect on this gelding who won at 9/2.
He had the field all off the bridle as he jumped three out in front and pulled well clear. Sorted got tired after the last at which stage Arthur Moore’s gambled on Hop In at 11/2 (10/1 to 13/2 in the morning) closed but Dalton kept Sorted going through hands and heels to win by a length.
It was 22 lengths back to In The Haven (16/1) in third under Cathal Landers.
Conor O’Dwyer said: “It was worth the wait as he has been disappointing. He was suffering from ulcers a while ago when he was not jumping off.
“We’ve needed to have plenty of patience with him.”
Michael Graham
