Abarta takes the last under Dalton

Abarta followed-up on his win at Galway earlier this month as he recorded his fourth success of the season in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase.

Sent off the 4/1 second favourite the Val O'Brien trained nine-year-old was settled in mid-division by Ben Dalton and was fifth with a circuit to race.

He lost his place at the fence passed the stands and was hampered four out by the fall of Massinis Adventure

He was pushed along from that fence and made good progress to track the leaders, going third after three out.

The second last was bypassed and he came with his challenge as they rounded that fence.

He had a good battle with Springbelle on the run-in and he was driven out to see off that rival by a head.

Springbelle was returned at 8/1 under Jody McGarvey for Harry Kelly while Fennis Moll (16/1) was eight lengths back in third under Rachael Blackmore for John 'Shark' Hanlon. El Grande who was 6/1 last night, was sent off the 7/2 favourite and he disappointingly pulled up under Ger Fox for Jim Dreaper.

Val O'Brien, who trains the winner for Sean O'Brien, said afterwards: "Ben gave him a good ride, and he's a great horse to pull out a bit.

"There is a three miles amateur race in Punchestown, and he may get a bit nicer ground there. Today was as soft as he'd like it."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee