Orange Touch scores firsts for Jones/O'Doherty

Trainer William O'Doherty combined with jockey Robert Jones to record first winners in both their respective codes when Orange Touch landed the Newmarket Handicap Hurdle at Cork today.

Orange Touch tracked the leaders, improved to lead before the second last, but eventually stayed on well for a three lengths win over Banna Man

Orange Touch's win was crediting his 19 year old jockey Jones, from Rathkeale and based with Eric McNamara, with his first winner as a professional while the win was also O'Doherty's first winner as a restricted license holder.

O'Doherty, who is based in Ballingarry, Co Limerick with six horses in his care, later reported “I have a few point to pointers but that was just my third runner on the track and I have only had the license since last June.”

He added “Orange Touch will go for something similar again next, depending on what the handicapper does with him – I'm delighted to have the win though!”