Jockey Ben Dalton has been seen to good effect in recent times and the claimer again impressed on the Matthieu Palussiere trained Leah Claire winner of the Saltees Island Mares Novice Hurdle at Wexford today.

Dalton moved the daughter of Tomba to lead from four out, quickened away from 4/9 favourite Ceol Rua entering the straight before staying on for a three lengths win over the odds-on ‘jolly’.

Afterwards Palussiere said “Leah Claire got a great ride from Ben and he kicked on at just the right time.

“She deserved the win and never lets me down. I’m delighted for her owners and she will probably go for a big handicap later in the year now.”