Solar Benny (left) beating Artiste Celebre (right), with Shukhov in-between© Photo Healy Racing
Solar Benny opened his account at the seventh attempt when staying on gamely under Robbie Downey in division one of the irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap at Dundalk.
The Keith Clarke-trained gelding challenged in the straight, and held on well for Downey inside the final furlong.
The 8/1 (from 10's) chance had half a length to spare over well-backed 7/2 favourite Artiste Celebre with Shukhov just a head further back in third.
Clarke said, ""Everyday we're learning more about him. He's seven but he's done no racing.
"He's by a sprinter in Balmont and if he was a two-year-old he might have speed but all he does is stay. Robbie gave him a peach of a ride. He had been working well with Poitin and Poetic Choice
"Credit to the owners, the ABLE Syndicate from Ashtown, who have been very patient."
(GC & AM)
