Solerina recorded her 18th career win at Tipperary today where James Bowe's mare displayed her renowned battling qualities to defeat 16 rivals in the John Harney Bookmakers (QR) Race.
Ridden by Nina Carberry, the 8yo daughter of Toulon again made all the running but did appear in a little trouble when Liss Ard challenged the leader before the home turn.
However, to her credit Solerina battled well, eventually seeing off Liss Ard's challenge by five lengths.
Afterwards winning owner John Bowe stated 'she only had one proper gallop since being given a break since Christmas and Nina said she took a blow in the back straight.'
Regarding plans, Bowe mentioned 'she'll go for the Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown next and the three miles there should not be as much a problem as at Cheltenham.'
The absence of Aidan O'Brien's Cougar Cat (ground conditions) in the www.tipperaryraces.ie Race left the way clear for the other Ballydoyle runner, Falstaff, to win under Kieren Fallon.
Violets Empire attempted to make all but was headed inside the final furlong by Falstaff, who had been under pressure throughout the final half mile.
O'Brien later reported 'Falstaff disappointed us last year but we'll now step him up in class and distance. Kieren gave the horse a great ride although it remains to be seen how good he is.'
Martin Browne recorded his first winner as a trainer when Mother's Day landed the opening two year old maiden. Niall McCullagh's mount led at halfway and stayed on strongly for a three and a half length win over his five newcomer rivals.
Mother's Day was providing Browne with a perfect 39th birthday present and the Curragh handler later reported 'she ran a nice race on her debut at The Curragh last month and we just needed to work on her fitness.
He added 'I rode 150 winners as a jockey and started training last year with only a few horses. I had no orders for yearlings last year but put this Browne Racing Syndicate together and we bought this horse. However, there's one share left!'
Regarding plans for Mother's Day, he added 'Niall said she will handle better ground and should go a bit further.'
The Gould's Cross Handicap went to top weight Belleinga, under Padraig Beggy.
Trainer Tom Lacy later reported 'she is very fast and now goes for a Listed race at The Curragh on Sunday. She goes on any ground but does love heavy conditions.'
Trainer Michael Hourigan has not enjoyed the best of starts to 2005 but did win the novice handicap hurdle with Kilfinny Cross.
Kilfinny Cross tracked the leaders before progressing to lead at the second last, eventually staying on well under a strong ride from Davy Flannery.
Thomond O'Mara's Togher Castle landed the Summer Barbeques At Tipperary Handicap while Hurrican Alley made all to win the maiden hurdle under Shane McCann.
