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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Solar registers second win at Cork under strong Hassett Drive

Fri 26th Jul 2024, 20:39

Solar Drive and Wayne HassettSolar Drive and Wayne Hassett
© Photo Healy Racing

The Paul Flynn trained Solar Drive added a second course and distance success when getting up right on the line under Wayne Hassett to take the concluding Racing Again August 5th Handicap at Cork.

A winner at the Munster track under Hassett on his handicap debut back in April, the grey had since finished in the frame on all three subsequent runs.

Prominent from stalls here, Hassett was anxious to get a lead, as the well backed favourite Our Lil took the field along under Ben Coen.

Travelling strongly over two furlongs out, Hassett delayed his challenge until inside the last, having one crack at the Johnny Murtagh trained filly.

When he eventually went for everything, the young apprentice timed it just right getting up in the shadows of the post to prevail by a short head.

Paul Flynn said: "He is consistent and I'd imagine he will go hurdling now as he isn't as well handicapped. His owners might want to go to Galway next week as they are from there but it would be the wrong trip although he owes them nothing so might go to give them a day.

"The 5lb claim made the difference, he gave him a grand ride and hopefully he will be a better horse next year."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

1st
9/2
Tote €5.50 €1.50
2nd
shd
5/4Fav
€1.10
3rd
2.75L
4/1
€1.50
4th
0.5L
7/1
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.