Famous Name makes it 20 in Solonaway

Famous Name notched the 20th win of his career when claiming the Refuse To Bend Solonaway Stakes at the Curragh.

Dermot Weld 's charge was sent off the 2/5 favourite (from 4/7) in the Group Three contest but had to work to land the spoils. One Spirit took over from front-runner Piri Wango with over two furlongs to run in the mile contest.

Pat Smullen had to get busy on Famous Name to wear down that rival inside the final furlong but he was soon on top.

The seven-year-old pulled away close home for a two-and-three-quarter length success.

"In any period to win 20 races and 19 of those at stakes level is amazing," said Weld afterwards.

"He just loves being a racehorse and is a joy to train. He's a seven-year-old full horse who takes plenty of work.

"There was a slight worry today that he might be a bit vunerable over a mile.

"I'll talk to Lord Grimthorpe and Prince Khalid before making plans but he's in a Group One in Italy in a couple of weeks and we'll see about that.

"There is also the (Group Two) Joel Stakes at Newmarket (September 28th).

"He'll keep going as a long as he's enjoying his racing and his enthusiasm is unbelieveable."

(On course reporting by Alan Magee)