A horse bought for just €3,500 produced a stunning success at Naas on Friday as I’ll Sort That landed the Grade One Ballymore Novice Hurdle. The six-year-old was trained and ridden by Declan Queally and delivered a brave front-running display. As a result, the Dungarvan man claimed his first Grade One winner and the €60,000 prize.

I’ll Sort That stepped up to the highest level after winning his previous three starts over hurdles. Notably, that run included a Grade 3 victory in the For Auction Hurdle at Navan in November. Although he started at 5-1, he faced strong opposition from fancied runners trained by Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott. However, he quickly showed his quality by setting a strong pace from the front.

Turning for home, favourite Sortudo moved into contention and looked a major threat. Nevertheless, I’ll Sort That showed real courage in the closing stages. He refused to give way under pressure and pulled clear in the final furlong to win by two and a half lengths.

The victory marked a defining moment in Queally’s career. He operates a small training yard near Dungarvan and also rides his own horses under an amateur licence. Speaking afterwards, he praised the horse’s stamina and honesty. He also admitted the occasion felt surreal when lining up alongside some of the sport’s biggest names. Still, he said, sticking to the original plan made the difference.

Following the win, bookmakers reacted quickly. Consequently, I’ll Sort That was cut to 16-1 from 33-1 for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Purchased at the 2023 Tattersalls May Store Sale, the horse has now won six of his seven starts. In addition, he has earned close to €200,000 in prize money.

Overall, it was a remarkable achievement for a modestly priced horse and a small Waterford-based operation. More importantly, it highlighted racing’s enduring magic and delivered a career-defining success for Declan Queally.