Han Solo has the force in Cork

Han Solo ran the massive field in the nightcap at Cork ragged as he earned his second career victory in good style.

His sole other victory came over an extended mile at Cork almost three years ago.

A runner-up berth at Killarney in July proved to be ideal preparation for this handicap.

He led his 24 rivals before halfway and powered clear inside the final furlong and a-half. The 10/1 shot had the field in trouble inside the final furlong and was kept up to his work by Jamie Powell as he won by a reduced margin of a length and three-parts. Jered Maddox (33/1) kept on in second with Van Krolock (5/1f) in third. There was a three-and-three-quarter-length gap back to fourth-placed Rose Of Malta (10/1).

Trainer Augustine Leahy said: "We put blinkers on him at home last Friday and we couldn't hold him!

"I couldn't see the first three furlongs (of the race) because of the sun, so I was listening to the commentator and hoping he was looking at the right horse.

"He (Powell) said to drop him back to six (furlongs) and we will look to Listowel now."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes