Solar springs a surprise for Madden

The former Paul Deegan trained Solar Heat got off the mark on her fifth start for Iggy Madden as she ran out a comfortable winner of division one of the Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Handicap.

Ridden by Wayne Lordan the five-year-old daughter of Jeremy finished eight of fourteen behind Horsewithnoname (could only manage seventh tonight) over the course and distance on her last start.

Sent off at 14/1 here she raced mainly in third before cruising into the lead as they entered the straight.

She was ridden a furlong and a half from home and kept on well under pressure, going on to score by four and a half lengths.

Hammerman, who got in as first reserve, kept on well to finish second under Niall McCullagh for Charles O’Brien at 12/1 while Stynes was a nose back in third under Shane Foley for John McConnell at 6/1. Eloge who won over the course and distance last Friday, was sent off the 15/8 favourite but she could only manage a disappointing fifth under Tom Madden for Andrew Oliver.

Iggy Madden said in the aftermath: "It was a good performance. It was only her second run on the Flat for me. We ran her over hurdles but she didn't seem to take to it – hopefully she'll go back to that though.

"We decided to go this road before giving her a break. She might run at Galway over hurdles, we'll see what the syndicate (West To East Syndicate) say.

"That was the proper way to ride her. Wayne held on to her as she was very keen last time. She ran around a bit in the straight but it is very windy.

"She's a pretty well-bred mare and has plenty of size."

STEWARDS REPORTS

L.F. Roche, rider of Winslow Arizona trained by J.F.O'Shea, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung badly left throughout.

T.P. Madden, rider of Eloge, trained by A. Oliver, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount fly leaped as the gates opened, losing considerable ground.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Winslow Arizona, at the request of trainer, J.F.O'Shea, and reported the animal Post Race Normal.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson