Dalton Highway doubles up in Curragh finale

Dalton Highway followed up his success in the Dubai Duty Free Irish European Breeders Fund Handicap from last year to land the finale at the Curragh.

Andrew Slattery got him home at odds of 14/1 in 2020 and today it was Sam Ewing that was aboard the easy-to-back 12/1 chance.

For Dermot Weld Dalton Highway got there on the line to touch off Dewcup by a head. Arcadian Sunrise the favourite, ran too keenly, and ended up three lengths back in third.

“He actually ran a good race in the Ascot Stakes. I know he finished tenth but he wasn’t beaten that far,” said Weld.

“He loves the Curragh and this is the same race he won last year. He’s tough and he’s a character.

“He’s a dual-purpose horse and we’ll look at Galway with him now. He may go for the 2m6f handicap hurdle at Galway.

“I’m delighted for Dr Lambe who is a wonderful patron of the stable and I’ve had a lot of good stayers for him — Rite Of Passage in the Gold Cup.”

R.P. Cleary, rider of Hook Head trained by J. S. Bolger, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran short of room in the last two hundred yards. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter the Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

(AM & EM)