Solitary Man confirmed the promise of his previous outing when justifying good support to go one better in the Kerry Drain Services Handicap Hurdle at Killarney.

The Enda Bolger-trained gelding was backed on track from 3/1 into 15/8 favouritism and was prominent throughout in this 2m1f event.

Darragh O’Keeffe’s mount was pressed by Cullaghs Star after two out and, despite a mistake at the last, kept on well on the run-in to beat that rival by two and a half lengths. Presenting Lad was a further length back in third.

Bolger said, “That was kind of the plan to come here after his nice run in Ballinrobe and he got a great ride by Darragh.

“I’m not sure what we will find for him now but I’m really looking forward to him going over fences next year.

“He’s a gorgeous looking horse and well judged by Paul Shanahan.”