Hassett's faith in Soloman Lane rewarded

Soloman Lane availed of a patient ride from Cian Quirke to win the concluding Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase.

He crept into contention over the extended two mile three trip and came with his challenge at the last.

There's no doubt he took full advantage of a mistake from the leader Kalli's Quest that enabled him to hit the front with a battling Made In The Woods

The pair fought out the spoils along the run-in, but it was Soloman Lane who toughed it out best by a neck at 6/1 from the game 5/1 runner-up. Kalli's Quest could give no more in third after her mistake.

Trainer Martin Hassett said: "Where do I start! We tried to buy him as a three-year-old at the Landrover Sale and the boys wouldn't sell outside the ring and then they sent him up to us instead.

“I've taken him out of more races than he's actually run in because we've always thought he was a nice horse.

“He's worked with The Conditional, Mary Frances and No Grey Area's, with 130 (rated) horses and always held his own.

“Talk about being unlucky, he got jarred one day, stood on a nail one day and had sore shins after his run behind Banbridge.

“This is the first time we've had a clear run since the last day he ran.

“In fairness, I have to say that it's my daughter Megan who rides him and she does some job on him.

“She's the unsung hero of Hassett Racing, she deserves all the credit.

“We had a bad Christmas with two fillies running badly and today was the first time I came racing and I wasn't looking forward to it. I was just worried there was something wrong.

“I knew one day this would come and today is the day so we'll enjoy it.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson