Solerina Could Have Run Last Race

Prolific mare Solerina is not expected to run again this season as connections mull over the prospect of covering her in the spring.

The nine-year-old, who won a third Hatton's Grace Hurdle last November, was in line for a possible tilt at the Grade Two Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran on Sunday.

But her name failed to appear at the five-day entry stage and the Bowe family are now considering drawing stumps following another profitable campaign.

'She's done her stuff and it's highly unlikely she'll go again this season,' said Michael Bowe, son and assistant of trainer James.

'She never tends to enjoy it as much towards the second half of the season. The mare is fine, but we have probably decided to leave it now.

'She won in Naas last time, but that wasn't the real Solerina and it's pointless running her for the sake of it.'

Although the prospect of bidding for what would be a remarkable fourth Hatton's Grace success remains an option later in the year, Bowe junior revealed Solerina may have come to the end of a glittering career that has contained 19 victories in 34 starts over obstacles.

'She's a mare and she'll tell us when she's done enough and we'll think about covering her this spring,' he added.

'It's tempting to go for another Hatton's Grace but we're going to sit down think about it (whether Solerina runs again).'

? PA Sport