Solar Drive stuck on gamely in the closing stages to run out a convincing winner of the opening juvenile maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe this afternoon.

The Paul Flynn-trained gelding had been fourth on his first outing over timber at Killarney last month and built on that performance.

Daniel King produced his mount to lead after the second last in the race, run over just shy of two-miles-two, and he soon asserted by the few lengths.

The 9/2 shot galloped on strongly from the last as Kaptain Bay gave chase to record a length-and-three-quarter success over the 7/4 favourite.

King said:- “I had a lovely position everywhere. I would have liked a lead for a bit longer, but it was just the way the race was playing out.

“To be fair to him when he was in front he was good, and he galloped strong to the line.

“He’s very straight forward and he jumped away bar one or two. He’s still learning and hopefully there is plenty more to come from him.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)