Solar Benny opened his account at the seventh attempt when staying on gamely under Robbie Downey in division one of the irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap at Dundalk.

The Keith Clarke-trained gelding challenged in the straight, and held on well for Downey inside the final furlong.

The 8/1 (from 10's) chance had half a length to spare over well-backed 7/2 favourite Artiste Celebre with Shukhov just a head further back in third.

Clarke said, ""Everyday we're learning more about him. He's seven but he's done no racing.

"He's by a sprinter in Balmont and if he was a two-year-old he might have speed but all he does is stay. Robbie gave him a peach of a ride. He had been working well with Poitin and Poetic Choice

"Credit to the owners, the ABLE Syndicate from Ashtown, who have been very patient."

(GC & AM)