Solitary Man opens account with promise of more to come over fences

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.”