Jaime Sommers and Cathal Landers© Photo Healy Racing
In a performance her mother Solerina would be proud of, Jaime Sommers spread-eagled the opposition in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan.
The pace seemed to collapse in this near two and a half miler, and Jaime Sommers, ridden with exaggerated confidence from off the pace, tanked into contention after two out.
It was soon apparent that it was all over bar a fall, and Cathal Landers eased right off on the Bowe's Milan mare. She still defeated Sir Abbot by a length and three parts.
There was no less than twenty three lengths back to La Bella Vida in third.
"We've been trying different tactics with her recently, covering her up, and it's definitely helped her a lot," said owner John Bowe on the five-year-old trained by his brother Michael.
"Cathal rode a great race. He was last most of the way and she loves passing horses. She's very different to her mother in that respect.
"It's a great thing when young mares start improving, she's only five, and she's run 24 times.
"She jumps superbly and I'm delighted with that. It's great for Cathal and great for the pedigree as well.
"We'll see what the handicapper does now. There is a race in Navan, that used to be called the Albany Hurdle, at the end of the month over 2m6f and she stays well.
"That's an option for her and there is also a Listed race in Gowran at the end of September. It would be great to get a bit of black-type for her.
"She handled the ground and handles it better than she did last year. As she's getting older she's handling the ground better.
"He kept her out wide, which is something he wanted to do, and he got the best of the ground.
"So long as she settles in races, I think that's a big thing for her.
"She's the first winner out of Solerina and she's the last filly out of her so she's very important."
P.D. Kennedy, rider of Lucky Pat trained by Mrs D.A.Love, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount didn't handle the ground.
A.W. Short, rider of Vercingetorix trained by Patrick Griffin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right throughout.
(GC & EM)
