Solerina lit up an otherwise average meeting at Tipperary today where James Bowe's front running mare ran out the winner of the John Harney Bookmakers (QR) to justify her owner's decision to enter the mare in the Irish St Leger.
The seven year old mare received an excellently judged ride from Nina Carberry who gave the front runner a breather after halfway before driving the winner out for a two length win over Georges Girl.
Owner John Bowe was delighted with Carberry's handling of the mare while he outlined ambitions plans for Solerina. 'She will run over hurdles at Punchestown next before we try to win a staying Listed race on soft ground. She has been entered in the Irish St Leger as that is a possability provided she runs well in those Listed races' he stated.
Aidan O'Brien's newcomer Joyce landed the opening two year old maiden despite showing signs of greeness when drifting left a furlong out. Jamie Spencer's mount was described by O'Brien as 'a grand horse', who will tackle a winners' race next.
O'Brien himself chose to leave for Ballydoyle to oversee work before returning for the concluding race. Spencer, meanwhile, went on to complete a treble, riding his second winner on Dragon Inn Dancer in the seven fulrong handicap.
On today's evidence, Dragon Inn Dancer looked one of the best handicapped horses in training literally bursting her way out of the starting stalls after her stall failed to open. She quickly made her way through the field, eventually winning by a ridiciously easy three length win.
Carey later stated 'she was always decent and was in great form. She has trained on really well since last season.'
A repeat malfunction with the starting stalls resulted in the last race being started by a flag start, a race which saw Spencer complete his treble. Partnering Aidan O'Brien's Lucky, the daughter of Sadler's Wells recorded an effortless success with Spencer opting to ride on the better ground along the stands' rail.
The www.tipperary.ie Race was won by Ger Lyons' Jemmy's Brother who benefited from a well timed challenge under jockey Pat Cosgrave. According to Lyons, the son of College Chapel (having his fourth run of the new season) 'loves mud and will be given a break in May before returning with a hurdling career in mind.'
Tracey Collins, representing her father Con, was on hand to greet 14/1 winner Persian Knight after the gelding landed the 1m1f handicap under Pat Shanahan. According to the trainer's daughter, 'a lot of our horses had been sick last year and that is possibly the reason for Persian Knight's improvement. Hopefully the handicapper won't crucify him now!'
Declan Gillespie's Amiata landed the Tipperary Handicap under Mick Kinane.
Thomas Weekes.
