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Killarney brace for Weld and Smullen

Nose-banded Dalton Highway is strongest at the finish under Pat SmullenNose-banded Dalton Highway is strongest at the finish under Pat Smullen
© Photo Healy Racing

There was a day one double at the Killarney August festival for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen when Dalton Highway justified favouritism in the Easy Clean Limited Handicap.

The pair's earlier winner, Aljunood was a 2/5 chance, and 15/8 shot Dalton Highway had to work harder for success.

Well-backed from 2/1 and bigger earlier, the Galway 'also-ran' chased the leader, and he was asked for more two furlongs out.

He gained a narrow lead inside the final 150 yards, keeping on well under pressure to secure a one length verdict over Hyperdrive

Smullen said: "Nothing went right at Galway. I got trapped a bit wide and when I eventually got cover it just didn't work out for him.

"A little smaller field here suited him and a no nonsense race. He always had that in him.

"I always thought that I had Colm (O'Donoghue on Hyperdrive) covered. I felt the better ground was out off the inside. I took a chance on that and it paid off but to be fair I think I was on the best horse.

"I think there is a bit more to come from him but it all depends on what the handicapper does. He is what he is but I'd hope there is another one in him before the year is out."

The Stewards fined Keith Henry Clarke, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Jeremys Joy in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91.

The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.

(AM & EM)