Solar powers to victory for trainer Keith Clarke

Meath trainer Keith Clarke was on the mark at Dundalk last night when he sent Solar Benny out to win a handicap at the seventh attempt with Robbie Downey on board.

Solar Benny challenged in the straight and held on well for a half length victory ion his secnd outing at the Louth track.

Clarke's other runner last night, Poetic Choice which finished fifth in a seven-furlong handicap was subsequently disqualified and placed last after the jockey - Padraig Beggy from Dunboyne - failed to weigh in.

 

The Stewards received a report on the matter from the Clerk of the Scales that Beggy had failed to weigh in after this race. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion P.B. Beggy was in breach of Rule 227 (i) in that he failed to present himself to weigh in and they cautioned him in this regard. Furthermore, using their powers under Rule 230 (ii), they disqualified Poetic Choice from fifth place.

 

However, 30 minutes later Beggy did weigh in when he partnered the Pual Flynn-trained Chatterton to victory in a one-mile handicap.

It was Beggy's first winner in four years, but he only returned to race-riding last month after serving a lengthy ban in Australia.

The Meath man is currently riding out at Ballydoyle for trainer Aidan O'Brien.

The Pat Martin-trained Reckless Lad recorded the a fifth win when finishing strongly to take the featured handicap by a neck over the Ger Lyons-trained 100/30 favourite Toccata Blue.