Dalton digs deep in thrilling finale

The Dermot Weld-trained Dalton Highway just got home in a cracking finish to the finale at Killarney this evening.

Finny Maguire bounced out in front on the Zoffany gelding but had Royal Illusion for company throughout the two-mile amateur contest.

Maguire was the first to ask his mount for an effort early in the straight with Royal Illusion travelling better on his outer.

Patrick Mullins went for the 5/4 favourite over a furlong out as Dalton Highway stuck on gamely.

The eventual winner started to get on top in the closing stages but then had to hold the late charge of Barbados and also Shoshone Warrior

Dalton Highway held on by a neck at the line from Barbados with Shoshone Warrior just a head back in third. Royal Illusion had to settle for fourth in the end, a further half length back.

Maguire said:- "It was my first time riding him and he has been a good servant to Mr Weld. He is a tough genuine horse and really battled well.

"I was in France for six weeks prior to Galway and I'm back in Ireland now. I don't have any solid plans, I think I'll stay in Ireland and my next step is to find a base for the season.

"I'm looking to get good rides and bumper winners if I can, from a big yard. There is a such a small pool of big yards but I'd move where ever the opportunities are."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)