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Famous Name makes it 20 in Solonaway

Famous Name scores under Pat SmullenFamous Name scores under Pat Smullen
© Photo Healy Racing

Famous Name notched the 20th win of his career when claiming the Refuse To Bend Solonaway Stakes at the Curragh.

Dermot Weld 's charge was sent off the 2/5 favourite (from 4/7) in the Group Three contest but had to work to land the spoils. One Spirit took over from front-runner Piri Wango with over two furlongs to run in the mile contest.

Pat Smullen had to get busy on Famous Name to wear down that rival inside the final furlong but he was soon on top.

The seven-year-old pulled away close home for a two-and-three-quarter length success.

"In any period to win 20 races and 19 of those at stakes level is amazing," said Weld afterwards.

"He just loves being a racehorse and is a joy to train. He's a seven-year-old full horse who takes plenty of work.

"There was a slight worry today that he might be a bit vunerable over a mile.

"I'll talk to Lord Grimthorpe and Prince Khalid before making plans but he's in a Group One in Italy in a couple of weeks and we'll see about that.

"There is also the (Group Two) Joel Stakes at Newmarket (September 28th).

"He'll keep going as a long as he's enjoying his racing and his enthusiasm is unbelieveable."

(On course reporting by Alan Magee)

1st
2/5Fav
Tote €1.40 €1.02
2nd
2.75L
14/1
€3.50
3rd
0.75L
16/1
€3.90
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.