The final flight fall of Solerina in the John James Memorial Hurdle today, in a race won by Noel Meade's Harchibald, was the main talking point in Tipperary's principle raceday.
James Bowe's mare, bidding to land her 19th career win, took up her customary front running position and was two lengths clear of a beaten Harchibald when meeting the last on a long stride and taking a heavy fall.
Fortunately both Solerina and her rider David Casey escaped uninjured while Noel Meade almost immediately admitted 'I fully accept Solerina would have won.'
He added 'this is a fabulous race to win but Harchibald is 14kgs heavier than his best racing weight and it's a pity the race doesn't come two weeks later.'
'Provided the ground is good he'll take in the Morgiana Hurdle and the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle. He wont run on heavy ground and Cheltenham is obviously the aim.'
Solerina's owner John Bowe was gracious as ever 'in defeat' and mentioned 'it's on days like this you realise how precious Solerina is - when she comes back ok it is never a disappointment.'
He added 'depending on how she is, she'll may go to the Cesarewitch next Sunday while the Leopardstown November Handicap and Lismullen Hurdle feature on her targets before Christmas.'
Trainer Michael Halford is enjoying his best season ever and winner 49 followed his double at The Curragh yesterday when Miss Sally landed the Coolmore Stud Home Of Champions Concorde Stakes.
Ridden by Rory Cleary, Miss Sally tracked the leaders before getting a dream run up the inner, striking the front a furlong and a half out for a length win over Common World.
The win was Cleary's first Group win and the 18yo later mentioned 'the rubber bit went through her mouth early on but she followed the rail the whole way.'
Halford also reported 'I was concerned about the 7f trip as she is best over 6f on good ground.'
The Grade 3 Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Novice Chase lost much of its value as an event when Charles Byrnes' 6/4 fav Gortinard was pulled up early in a race won by Church Island.
Gortinard was soon tailed off and eventually pulled up with rider Paul Carberry reporting 'he slipped into the first fence and lost his confidence.'
Michael Hourigan's Church Island was the eventual winner, leading after the second last fence under another polished Dennis O'Regan ride.
Paul Nolan's yard registered its first winner in three weeks when French Accordion won the Grade 3 Kevin McManus Bookmaker Joe Mac Novice Hurdle.
Nolan reported 'my horses had been under the weather a bit recently but are back on form again.'
He added 'French Accordion is a brother to Accordion Etoile but this horse is more of a stayer. Chasing is his longterm aim as he jumps so well.'
Jim Bolger, unsuccessful with Alexander Goldrun in Paris, did gain a fraction of compensation when his Rhythm'N'Roots landed the Listed El Gran Senor Stakes under David Moran.
Niall Madden, on Chemin D'Or, gave Ruby Walsh and Mountain Snow the slip in the closing stages of the handicap hurdle while Edward Lynam's Jioconda won the opening 2yo maiden under Niall McCullagh.
