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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Solo proves tough for Leonard

Fri 12th Jan 2024, 17:08

Free Solo (white face) beats Volatile Analyst (left) and Gobi Star (right)Free Solo (white face) beats Volatile Analyst (left) and Gobi Star (right)
© Photo Healy Racing

Free Solo hung on gamely to land the seven-furlong handicap at Dundalk for trainer Pat Murphy.

The Showcasing gelding had been knocking on the door at the all-weather venue and made sure to get his head in front this time.

Killian Leonard produced the 5/1 shot to challenge two furlongs out and he had a narrow lead going to the furlong pole. Volatile Analyst pushed him hard to the line but Free Solo held on to record a head victory.

Murphy said: "Resolute in the finish. We were just waiting for him to land one.

"He's a very good horse, a very genuine horse. He was going to win one eventually, he always runs his race.

"He might be a little bit better on the turf with a tiny bit of a dig in the ground, but we're very happy to be able to pick up one with him.

"They are great owners and are delighted. We had a nice bit of fun with them throughout the year - he was second in Galway and ran a few nice races. A nice, consistent horse and a great, fun horse to have.

"We'll see whether we give him a break or whether we will run him once more up here, but we'll aim for the turf again with him."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)

1st
5/1
Tote €6.60 €2.30
2nd
hd
7/2JFav
€1.90
3rd
0.5L
7/2JFav
€1.20
4th
nk
9/2
About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.