Solerina's Sommers adds another string to her bow

Top racemare Solerina's only daughter Jaime Sommers gained a third career success at Tipperary today as the Michael Bowe trained six year old landed the Walter Hennessy Auctioneers Mares Beginners Chase under jockey Cathal Landers.

Jaime Sommers is the first winner Solerina has produced from three runners and having gained her previous two hurdle wins at Kilbeggan, today got off the mark when scoring an all out length success over Mrs Lovett

Trainer Michael Bowe, also responsible for the handling of the family's legendary hurdler Limestone Lad, was on lead-up duty and his brother John Bowe, owner and breeder, later commented “she jumped really well out in front and gave an exhibition of jumping and the experience really stood to her.

“She was given 14lbs for winning at Kilbeggan last year and it put her out of hurdles; I had never any intention of going chasing with her but from the first day she schooled well over fences and I'm just relieved now that she had that as an option as she is so badly handicapped over hurdles.

“We'll see what the handicapper does with her now and it's great to win here; her mother won a Grade 1 here and is back in foal at 21 years of age to Vandegarde.

“She has two Yeats foal, a four year old with Enda Bolger and a three year old with Mags Mullins and has a Getaway colt foal this year.

“She (Jaime Sommers) is the only filly I have out of Solerina so is very important and is also only six and today was her 38th run today. She is consistent, minds herself and is fierce sound. I'd love to get black-type with her eventually.”